Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Trent Boult has spent much of his career making life difficult for batters with the moving ball. Whether it is swinging one into the pads or getting it to leave the outside edge, the New Zealand left-arm quick has built a reputation as one of the finest exponents of conventional swing in modern cricket.
But the art that once made fast bowling such an exciting contest is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Boult believes both conventional swing and reverse swing are on the decline, and he hopes the game can find a way to bring them back.
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Speaking in an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, representing Emirates Eagles in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, Boult admitted that the changing conditions and restrictions surrounding ball maintenance have made life increasingly difficult for bowlers.
The decline of reverse swing has also been a talking point since the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal involving Australia. The ball-tampering controversy, which resulted in significant sanctions for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, brought greater scrutiny to the condition of the ball and the methods used to maintain it. The subsequent emphasis on monitoring ball maintenance has added to the debate around how reverse swing can be generated within the laws of the game.
Boult, however, is not advocating any shortcuts. He admits that the current regulations make it difficult to generate reverse swing naturally, particularly with restrictions on how players can maintain the ball.
“You’re not allowed to throw the ball into the ground. As soon as the ball bounces more than twice into the ground, you’re pulled up for that. You can’t put saliva on the ball, and you can’t exactly shine the ball,” he explained.
The New Zealander has fond memories of watching reverse swing develop in Test cricket, particularly when fast bowlers managed to bring the older ball back into left-handed batters. It was one of the aspects of the game that inspired him as a youngster.
“One of the things I fell in love with was seeing the ball tail in towards left-handed batters. There were masters of it around the world back in the day. It was a trade that I fell in love with, so hopefully it definitely comes back at some point. How that happens, I’m not sure,” he added.
BOULT’S BOWLER-FRIENDLY RULES
Boult also has a few suggestions for restoring some balance between bat and ball. Asked what he would change if given the opportunity to introduce a rule in T10 or T20 cricket, the fast bowler had two immediate suggestions.
He would like to see a reduced powerplay, potentially allowing an additional fielder outside the circle during the early overs. Boult believes bowlers are often left with very little margin for error during that phase, particularly in formats where batters are encouraged to attack from the outset.
His other suggestion is to bring back the use of saliva on the ball.
“I love seeing the ball swing around, so it would be nice to simply be able to use saliva on the ball. You’re still not allowed to do that for some reason,” he said.
Interestingly, Boult is making these observations while enjoying one of the most batter-friendly formats in the sport. The 36-year-old is playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for Emirates Eagles and has no complaints about the format despite the obvious challenges it presents to bowlers.
“It’s very exciting. I think it’s obviously an action-packed format. It’s nice and quick, and not too much damage can be done in two overs per bowler. Sometimes you have your day and sometimes you don’t,” he said.
This is his fourth year participating in the competition, which suggests he has developed quite a liking for the format.
THE POLLARD CHALLENGE
Boult also spoke about the prospect of bowling to Kieron Pollard, who is set to take over as Mumbai Indians’ coach. The two have crossed paths several times in franchise cricket, and the New Zealander relishes the challenge of bowling to one of the most destructive T20 batters.
“It would be my dream to bowl a swinging ball to Kieron Pollard. He’s experienced beyond his years, knows how to play the game and knows exactly when to come into the batting order as well,” Boult said.
He also revealed that he is yet to speak to Pollard about his new coaching role at Mumbai Indians.
Boult remains part of the franchise and could potentially share the new-ball responsibilities with Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the upcoming IPL season. He is excited about the prospect, although he is currently focused on his commitments in Abu Dhabi.
“They’re world-class bowlers in their own right. I’ve obviously played enough cricket with Bums to know how good he is,” he said.
For now, Boult is enjoying life as a freelance cricketer. But his thoughts on the changing nature of fast bowling reveal that he still has a deep affection for the craft that brought him success. And if he had his way, the sight of a cricket ball swinging late under the lights or reversing dramatically in Test cricket would become far more common again.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
