One of the best pacers going around in World cricket, Trent Boult celebrates his 31st birthday on Wednesday (July 22, 2020). Currently placed at the top of ODI bowling rankings, the New Zealand speedster has every weapon in his arsenal which is required to torment a batsman and his records speak volumes of his capabilities. Be it swinging the ball both ways in the initial overs or nailing a yorker, the left-arm pacer has proved his mettle in every department. In fact, he played a pivotal role in guiding New Zealand to the World Cup final in 2015 and 2019. Below, we’ll revisit some of his best spells. This Day That Year: Trent Boult Takes Hat-Trick vs Australia in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Making his international debut in 2011, Boult didn’t take long in showcasing his prowess. He bowled a stellar spell against Aussies in Hobart as New Zealand won a Test match down under after 26 years. Boult didn’t look back after that and put up one sensational performance after another. Boult formed a formidable pair with Tim Southee and together, the duo ran through many potent bowling line-ups. Meanwhile, as the New Zealand pace spearhead turns a year older, let’s look back at some of his best performances. This Day That Year: New Zealand Knocks India Out of 2019 Cricket World Cup.

5/27 Vs Australia in Auckland

Trent Boult breathed fire with the ball when New Zealand met Australia in the group stage of 2015 World Cup. Michael Clarke’s decision of batting first proved to be a disaster as Boult was at his prime. The mighty Aussie batting line-up couldn’t succumb to the pacer’s challenge and got packed for just 151 runs. In the second innings, another left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc bowled his heart out and took six wickets. However, the Kiwis managed to clinch the encounter by one wicket.

5/21 Vs India in Hamilton

Indian batsmen were on a roll in their 2019 Tour of New Zealand. However, the tables were turned around in the 4th ODI of the series. Boult made maximum utilization of the local conditions and stunned the Indian batsmen. The likes of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were bamboozled by Boult’s thunderbolts as the Men in Blue got all out for just 92 runs while batting first. The home side didn’t break a sweat while chasing the total and won the game by eight wickets.

6/32 Vs England in Auckland

Boult ran through England’s batting line-up in the second Test of 2018 Test series. The left-arm pacer made an impeccable use of the brand new red cherry and delivered a jaw-dropping spell. Veterans like Alastair Cook and Joe Root looked completely clueless against Boult and the wickets were falling like a pack of cards. Courtesy, Boult’s six-wicket haul, England were bundled out for just 58 runs and the Kiwis went on to clinch the encounter by an innings and 59 runs.

6/30 Vs Sri Lanka in Christchurch

While batting first in the second Test of Sri Lanka’s 2018 tour of New Zealand, the Kiwis were packed for just 178 runs and were on the backfoot. However, Boult had different ideas as he brought his side back in the contest. After failing to take any wickets with the new ball, the left-arm pacer used reverse swing to good effect and took six wickets in just 15 deliveries. After his brilliant spell, the home side posted a mammoth total of 585/4 in the third innings and clinched the encounter by 423 runs.

7/34 Vs West Indies in Christchurch

New Zealand posted 325/6 while batting first in the second ODI of West Indies’ 2017 Tour of New Zealand and the Christchurch looked impeccable for batting. However, that wasn’t the case when the Caribbean batsmen came out to bat. Boult made a mockery of the opposition batsmen as no one was able to showcase resilience in front of the left-arm pacer. He went on to clinch a seven-wicket haul as the Black Caps won the game by 204 runs.

So far, Boult has clinched 267, 164 and 39 wickets from 67, 90 and 21 T20Is. Well, these numbers are nothing but sensational by any standards. However, Boult will like to add many more feathers in his already illustrious hat. Recently, the talismanic pacer took part in a camp organized by New Zealand cricket after COVID-19 break. However, the pacer had to miss the second day due to illness. Nevertheless, he will like to get fit as soon as possible in order to be back in the field once again. Happy Birthday Trent Boult!!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2020 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).