Trent Boult

His Test career started in December 2011 at Hobart. Michael Hussey was his first Test victim, and his four wickets in that game helped New Zealand to a famous victory in Australia, their first there since 1985. Another early milestone came at the Basin Reserve, where he took ten wickets in a match against West Indies for the first time and collected his first Man of the Match award. Over time he and Tim Southee developed into a feared new-ball pairing, with Boult becoming one of the leaders of the pace group.

Good Test form opened the door to the shorter formats, including a place at the 2014 T20 World Cup. He was at his best at the 2015 ODI World Cup, sharing top spot on the wicket-takers' list with 22, a run that included 5 for 28 against Australia in the group phase. At the 2019 ODI World Cup he took a hat-trick against Australia as New Zealand reached the final, and at the 2021 T20 World Cup he led his side's wicket tally as they again finished second.

In 2022 Boult gave up his New Zealand Cricket central contract, choosing to prioritise family and franchise commitments, a move that drew some criticism. He still played when picked, including at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where his returns were modest. After a disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup, he retired from international cricket.

The IPL has been a major part of his career. He began with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2015 and later had short spells with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals. With Mumbai Indians in 2020 he took 25 wickets and was Man of the Match in the final as they won the title. Three seasons with Rajasthan Royals followed, including a run to the 2022 final, before he was released and returned to Mumbai for 2025. That season he took 22 wickets in 16 matches, with best figures of 4/26, finishing as Mumbai's leading wicket-taker as they reached the playoffs, often striking early in the powerplay alongside Jasprit Bumrah.