New Zealand's selection manager Gavin Larsen is optimistic they will have Trent Boult to lead the Kiwi bowling lineup at the One Day International (ODI) World Cup in India in November this year. This comes despite New Zealand Cricket releasing him from his central contract last year.

Boult was released from his contract as he wanted to be able to compete in T20 leagues around the world, however it's understood he has expressed his desire to be a part of the New Zealand campaign for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

The 33-year-old is one of New Zealand's greatest-ever bowlers, having amassed over 500 wickets in all formats of the game. In the ODI format, he has represented the Black Caps 99 times, taking 187 wickets at an average of 23.97, while his experience is arguably an even bigger asset.

Given the spearhead has not been confirmed despite his interest, the New Zealand Cricket hierarchy are understandably keen to lock him in. Speaking to SENZ Mornings, Larsen said the "door was very much open" for Boult and that the paceman had been in regular contact with head coach Gary Stead.

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"Gary and Trent talk on a regular basis. We all know 'Boulty's' pedigree, his experience and just what a great match-winner he is and has been over the years for us... We want him to be involved, we'd love him to be involved, we understand entirely his situation so we will keep working with him," Larsen said.

"We've got a World Cup at the end of the year and I've got my fingers crossed that if the stars align that we'll have a certain Trent Boult opening the bowling for us."
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 20: Kane Williamson, Tim Southee and Trent Boult of New Zealand (L-R) line up for their national anthem during day one of the Second Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Hagley Oval on January 20, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
As one of the best exponents of swing in the game today across all formats, Boult's inclusion would be crucial to a relatively inexperienced New Zealand attack that recently struggled in an ODI series against India without him and fellow veteran Tim Southee.
Having made back-to-back World Cup finals in the past two ODI tournaments, the Kiwis will be keen to retain as much of their golden generation as possible to mount another tilt at the trophy they appear to crave most.