Swing masterclass at Hagley
West Indies batsmen, missing the ill Chris Gayle, were bereft of answers, with Nurse and Shai Hope the only men to surpass 20.
Boult removed the first four batsmen, leaving them in tatters at 52-4 in the 10th over, and said his confidence was up early.
‘‘If I had to put it down to something, I know that when I am swinging the ball, I wouldn’t say I’m a different bowler, but I almost grow another limb in a way. It was very nice to knock over a few.
‘‘I was getting it clicking and swinging the ball well. The World Cup is still probably one of my fondest memories where I really felt like I was bowling quick. Very happy with where it is at the moment.’’
Southee, who has been rested for the final two ODIs, wasn’t at Hagley. Boult was thrilled to join the seven wickets in an ODI club. He has previously taken six and five in matches against Australia.
‘‘I haven’t checked my phone yet, but I’m sure he’ll be one of the first to text through. Nice to be in the club with him and grab seven wickets.’’
The Hagley wicket was twopaced and slightly slower than usual, but it proved a prosperous one for Boult.
‘‘I definitely think you have those days where you feel like you can really turn the batsmen in half and swing the ball around and kind of beat them, but it felt a little bit slow. Somehow, I got the damage done.’’