Despite New Zealand’s loss to England by 181 in the third ODI, it is the return of the left-arm pacer, Trent Boult, that has left cricket enthusiasts astounded. Boult’s impressive performance emerged as the lone bright spot for the Kiwis. He managed to finish the game with figures of 5-51 in 9.1 overs, marking his sixth five-wicket haul in the 50-over format.

This outstanding feat occurred despite the carnage unleashed by Ben Stokes, who managed to score 182 runs, setting the record for the highest individual score for an English batter in men’s ODI history.

**Read More:** [ENG vs NZ 3rd ODI: Ben Stokes’s Record 182 Sets Up Rout of New Zealand, England Take 2-1 Lead – Smartkhabrinews](link_here)

Boult’s contributions didn’t stop there; he also surpassed legendary Richard Hadlee for the most five-wicket hauls taken by any New Zealand bowler in ODIs.

Head coach Gary Stead couldn’t hide his delight over Boult’s stunning return to international cricket, saying, “I think he’s taken eight wickets in 17 overs. It’s great to have Trent back: he brings a lot of energy and a lot of skill to the top of the order for us. In the two games he’s played, he’s shown his ability as a world-class player to topple England… (but) we haven’t been able to capitalize on those starts.”

Stead also provided an update on left-arm spin all-rounder Mitchell Santner, assuring fans that he will be fit and available to play in the upcoming Men’s ODI World Cup, despite missing the third ODI due to a jarred knee sustained while fielding in the second game of the series in Southampton. “Mitch had a full scan on his knee, which he landed on when he took that catch in the last game at the Ageas Bowl. It’s come back positively, which is good for us. He’s just got quite a bit of swelling around the knee still, which they think is a joint problem. It’s nothing more than that,” he added.

**Read More:** [Ben Stokes Scores Highest Individual Score By An English Batter in ODIs By Smashing 182 Against New Zealand – Smartkhabrinews](link_here)

The white-ball series has witnessed significant margins of wins and defeats for both teams. Stead expressed his hopes for a close game in the finale match at Lord’s, stating, “All seven games have been a bit like that, haven’t they? We were just saying, it would be nice to actually have a close one so we can see both teams under pressure.”

“It was disappointing that we didn’t put our best foot forward tonight (in the match) but they played very well. Ben Stokes played an amazing innings. Both teams have taken the opportunity to change their line-ups a little bit. With such a congested period of games in a short period of time, we’re certainly mindful of getting people to the World Cup without significant injury or risk.”

(This story has not been edited by Smartkhabrinews staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – IANS)

**Tags:** Trent Boult, New Zealand cricket, England cricket, ODI, Ben Stokes, Mitchell Santner, Men’s ODI World Cup, Gary Stead, cricket news, sports news