The Australian batting order is one in transition following the retirements of former skipper Michael Clarke, Chris Rodgers, Shane Watson and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
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Of his 32 Tests to date, it remains his only battle against the most successful cricket nation of his lifetime – until the neighbours meet again at the ‘Gabba in Brisbane from Thursday in the first of three Tests over the coming month.
That might be easier said than done however as Australia reign supreme at the Brisbane ground where they have not lost a Test match since 1988, to Viv Richards’ mighty West Indies. They are the Mr Nice Guys.
However Boult’s terrific tournament, including career-best figures of 5-27 against Australia in a thrilling pool win at Eden Park, ended with a seven-wicket loss in the decider.
Boult vowed to be at top speed at the bouncy Gabba deck after recovering from a back injury that cut short his England tour this year.
“Whether the New Zealand duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be able to swing the ball as much in Australia is doubtful but they must be encouraged by the choice of venues”, Chappell wrote.
Boult was equal leading wicket taker at the 2015 World Cup with Australia’s Mitchell Starc, taking 22 wickets at 16.86.
The contrast in styles was hard to miss during this year’s World Cup final, when Black Caps opener Martin Guptill was given a spirited send-off by the hosts at the MCG.
“In terms of motivation I don’t think you have to look further than what lies ahead”, Boult said.
“We’re backed up well by our mates in the rest of the bowling attack and we’ve been lucky to enjoy a few success but it’s going to be a totally different challenge here (in Australia) and it’s going to be good to see where we are against one of the best teams in the world”.
Four years later, Boult is daring to dream of a rare series win in Australia.
“The next step is a series win which I am sure would be even sweeter”.
Cricket Australia officials are believed to have apologised to the Black Caps for the poor quality of the pitch in the abandoned match.
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New Zealand have won just three Tests on Australian soil and defeated their trans-Tasman rivals only eight times overall since they initially met in 1946.
