Trent Boult, one of the most ferocious fast bowlers in world cricket right now, has broken a batting record. Boult has broken Muttiah Muralitharan's record of most runs at no.11 in Test cricket. In his 79th innings, Boult got past Muralitharan on Day 5 of the ongoing second Test between New Zealand and England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Boult scored 17 runs from 15 deliveries in New Zealand’s second innings in the 35-run partnership for the 10th wicket with Daryl Mitchell. The left-arm seamer scored three boundaries during his short stay at the crease.
Now, he has 640 runs from 79 innings at an average of 16.41 including one half-century. The Kiwi paceman has the best average among no.11 batters who have scored 200 or more runs in the format.
While the legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muralitharan has 623 runs at this batting position, England veteran pacer James Anderson is the closest among current cricketers. The Englishman has 618 runs from 165 innings. Anderson is followed by Glenn McGrath (603 runs), Courtney Walsh (553 runs) in the top five.
In the first innings of the Nottingham Test, Boult shared a crucial 33-run partnership with Mitchell. He remained unbeaten for 16 off 18 deliveries including four boundaries.
Boult was phenomenal with the ball as well in the first innings and bagged a five-wicket haul. He broke the partnership between Ollie Pope and Joe Root getting the wickets of the centurions. He returned to bowl with the old ball and helped mop up the tail with the wicket of tailender Matty Potts.
Recently, Boult got promoted up the order in Rajasthan Royals (RR) batting lineup as well. The long tail meant that Boult would bat at no.8 or no.9. He scored 40 runs with high score of 17 not out. He hit two fours and one six in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Also, he scored three times more runs in a single season which he did in seven seasons combined.
