Blackcaps bowler Trent Boult is hopeful his time as a Blackcaps test cricketer isn't done despite giving up his New Zealand central contract.
Earlier this month, 33-year-old Boult was released from his central contract, effectively freeing him up to ply his trade as a Twenty20 gun for hire rather than make his living as a New Zealand international.
And while Boult is still eager to play for the Blackcaps when available, NZ Cricket chief executive David White has said his role will be "significantly reduced" with selection priority awarded to contracted players.
Boult has since declared for the Australian Big Bash League's player draft, as well as signing on to play with Mumbai Indians Emirates in the UAE's International League Twenty20 tournament.
And despite a potential clash of dates with the Blackscaps' next test assignment - travelling to face Pakistan away as part of the World Test Championship in December - Boult hopes he hasn't worn the whites for New Zealand for the last time.
"I'm fully aware with the decision I've made to give the contract back, it's going to affect that selection," he said. "I'm taking it almost week by week really. There's a lot of cricket to be played before then and now.
"I know the next test series is in Pakistan and then at my home ground against England in that new year.
"But it's too far away to tell. I've got to leave that with New Zealand Cricket, and respect that decision."
So far, Boult has played 78 tests for the Blackcaps since his debut at the end of 2011, taking 317 wickets at an average of under 28, and winning the first World Test Championship in 2021.
Boult has also been named as part of the Blackcaps' 15-man squad to tour Australia next month, for the three match Chappell-Hadlee ODI series.
The series forms as part of qualifying for next year's Cricket World Cup, held in India.
Again, as an uncontracted player, New Zealand Cricket has no obligation to pick Boult for the tournament.
But after ending up on the wrong side of the Cricket World Cup final in 2015 against Australia, and 2019 against England, Boult is hoping it's a case of third time lucky as the Blackcaps bid to lift the game's ultimate prize for the first time.
"I remember talking to Kane [Williamson] after 2019 at Lord's and saying we wanted to be there in four years' time.
"It's only a few months round the corner. There's a lot of hunger to try and have another crack at that trophy."
