He was not included in the list of players offered a central deal on Thursday, but was instead offered a "casual playing agreement" by New Zealand Cricket.

Stead hopes Boult can resume his strike partnership alongside New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee at the 50-overs World Cup in India, which starts in October.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

"We are having positive conversations with Trent, he's indicated he's available for the World Cup," Stead told reporters.

"From our perspective, he's one of the best ODI bowlers in the world so barring injury, I think it's highly likely that he would be part of our squad."

Also Read: Having made his decision, Boult expresses big desire to play ODI World Cup in India

Boult, 33, is one of the world's best ODI bowlers having taken 187 wickets at that level and a further 74 for his country in Twenty20 cricket. He had taken 17 wickets for New Zealand in 2019 World Cup.

Stead said Boult, who has taken 317 Test wickets, could still return to the Black Caps' five-day squad for next year's home series against South Africa, then Australia.

"That's still being discussed at the moment. Trent has other leagues he is committed to, so we are just working through that and exactly what it will mean," Stead added. "He's indicated a willingness to play."

(With AFP inputs)