Back in the Blackcaps for the first time since November 2022, Trent Boult has no regrets about his decision to become a Twenty20 gun for hire at the risk of his international future.
Nearly 12 months ago, Boult handed back his New Zealand Cricket contract, in order to pursue opportunities as a freelance player in various competitions around the world.
The move proved to be telling for the Blackcaps, with Martin Guptill and Colin de Grandhomme both following suit in choosing club over country.
New Zealand Cricket never shut the door on Boult - seeing him selected for last year's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in particular - but has always asserted selection priority will be given to contracted players.
However, with a Cricket World Cup in India at the end of this year, Boult has returned to the Blackcaps squad for the first time in 2023, picked for the upcoming white ball tour of England.
Now 34, this World Cup will almost certainly be Boult's last for New Zealand.
And after having to watch from the sidelines as his international teammates took on the likes of England over the last Kiwi summer - cruelly within walking distance from his Tauranga home - Boult isn't taking being back in black for granted.
"[There's] no difference, but it feels good," said Boult. "[It's] nice to be back involved, I'm excited really.
"It's been just over a year now [since] I've put on the Blackcaps clothing. It feels cool, I'm really excited to be involved."
Even at the potential risk of his own international future, Boult's decision has always been about supporting his young family.
The sums of money on offer in T20 leagues - largely now bankrolled by the Indian Premier League franchises - are life changing for any cricketer, regardless of their standing.
Since his debut in 2011, Boult has notched more than 200 internationals across all three formats for the Blackcaps.
In test cricket, his 317 wickets see him sit behind just Sir Richard Hadlee, Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee on New Zealand's record tally.
But even though that door might now be shut, Boult is more than content with where his career is at - despite the consequences.
"It wasn't an easy decision to make," he continued. "I never wanted it to be about New Zealand or franchise cricket.
"I just respected that my career's [only] so long, and just trying to make the most of my remaining years as a bowler.
"I'm definitely as hungry as ever to still represent the country - and hopefully do something special with the guys over the next couple of months."
While international cricket has continued without him, Boult's last year hasn't been quiet by any means.
From Australia's Big Bash League with Melbourne Stars, to the UAE's Global League T20 with Mumbai Indians Emirates, and the IPL with Rajasthan Royals, Boult has filled his boots with appearances in the shortest format.
In fact, earlier this month, Boult was part of the Mumbai Indians New York side that won the inaugural Major League Cricket in the USA.
Now, though, his sights are firmly locked on the Cricket World Cup, where the Blackcaps will look to make amends for the heartbreak of 2015 and 2019 - which saw final defeats to Australia and England respectively.
While the Blackcaps tend to overperform in global tournaments, India 2023 will likely see the closing chapter of arguably the greatest era of New Zealand cricketing history.
And even though Boult will continue as a freelancer after the World Cup, the chance to potentially lift the trophy for the first time has been a strong motivator in his recent journey.
"Life is short, make the most of everything," said Boult. "It's been an exciting 12 months or so on the road, getting the chance to experience cricket around the world.
"I've always had this in the back of my mind. To come back and work towards an ODI World Cup.
"The history involved there, the times we've had in previous campaigns has been very exciting.
"I'm just hungry to get involved, and hopefully play a big role."
