Seamer Trent Boult, despite not having a national contract, could make a comeback for New Zealand at the upcoming ODI World Cup, according to Black Caps coach Gary Stead on Thursday.

Last year, Boult opted out of his New Zealand Cricket contract, allowing him to participate in the lucrative Big Bash League in Australia. He has not been included in the list of players offered a central deal this year, instead signing a “casual playing agreement” with New Zealand Cricket.

Stead expressed hope that Boult would resume his potent partnership with New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee at the 50-overs World Cup in India, set to begin in October.

“We are having positive conversations with Trent, and he has indicated his availability for the World Cup,” Stead told reporters. “Considering he is one of the best ODI bowlers in the world, it’s highly likely that he would be part of our squad unless there is an injury.”

At 33 years old, Boult is recognized as one of the premier ODI bowlers, having taken 187 wickets at that level, as well as an additional 74 in Twenty20 cricket for New Zealand.

Following his release from the central contract last year, Boult was excluded from the New Zealand squad for this year’s drawn home Test series against England and the 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka, despite representing the Black Caps in the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup.

Stead mentioned that Boult, who has 317 Test wickets to his name, could still make a return to the Black Caps’ Test squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa and Australia in the following year.

“The discussions about that are still ongoing. Trent has commitments to other leagues, so we are working through the details and what it would mean,” Stead added.