Herald Sport Vault: Youngster sends them down as quick as lightning Boults

Trent Boult featured in the Herald as a 17-year-old. Photo / Paul Estcourt

This article appeared in the New Zealand Herald on March 1, 2007.

He's just 17 but Tauranga schoolboy Trent Boult can bowl as fast as a Black Cap.

The Otumoetai College student yesterday bowled 129km/h in wet conditions to be named the country's fastest secondary school bowler.

New Zealand Cricket head bowling coach Dayle Hadlee said Boult's bowling speed was similar to that of medium pacer Jacob Oram.

"In men's standards it's not high but for young boys who are say 16 or 17-years-old, it's quite impressive."

Hadlee said the wet conditions during the bowl-off were challenging.

"They were contending with slippery footholds and a wet ball. But for all that they gave it their all."

Boult, who is in the New Zealand Under-19 team, bowled 130km/h to nab a spot in the finals.

Corey Anderson of Christchurch Boys High was the fastest of six qualifiers with 138km/h. Boult's favourite cricketer is Shane Bond, whose bowling speed tops 150km/h.

Trent, who met Bond and other members of the Black Caps yesterday before they flew out to the World Cup in the Caribbean, has set his sights on bettering his idol's achievements.

"I want to be the best bowler in New Zealand - even the world as well," said Trent.

"You've got to aim high, don't you?"

Hadlee said the finalists quizzed the professionals on technique, with Bond asked for tips on how to bowl fast.

"He talked about rhythm, relaxation, co-ordination, things like that rather than trying to run too fast and trying to muscle it down there."

More Boult appearances in NZME. papers

Bring back the headband! Trent Boult as a 16-year-old bowling for Bay of Plenty Development side in 2006.- Daily Post pic.twitter.com/KJMulyGk1X

— NZ Herald Sport (@nzheraldsport) March 26, 2015

That time Trent Boult was a vox pop in the Bay of Plenty Times. #goodparents #ausvnz pic.twitter.com/rd9DJuayLb

— NZ Herald Sport (@nzheraldsport) March 26, 2015