Debasis Sen, Wellington: BlackCaps got a huge boost ahead of the test series coming up against India as pace spearhead Trent Boult is regained full fitness and raring to go. The Kiwi speedster is ready to challengeIndia captain Virat Kohli on his return to international cricket during the two-match Test series starting on Friday. Boult was out of action for the past six weeks due to a fracture on his right hand sustained during the Boxing Day Test against Australia and missed out on the limited-overs leg of the India series. Talking to media personnel at the Wellington airport, Boult sounded confidence when asked about the challenge of bowling to the world’s best batsman. "That's personally why I play the game, to get guys like that (Kohli) out and test myself against them, so I can't wait to get stuck in. But he's an exceptional player. Everyone knows how great he is," said Boult. The Basin Reserve track will have a lot for the seamers and the conditions will be conducive to seam bowling. With the rains in last 24 hours, the pitch at the Basin Reserve will be lively too making life difficult for batsmen from both teams. "I'm preparing for a solid wicket. It generally is very good here (Wellington) and goes the full distance (five days). I do enjoy playing here, the history that's involved, and it's going to be an exciting week building up. I can't wait to get out there," said the 30-year-old who has taken 256 wickets from 65 Tests. It was frustrating for him to watch the Kiwis get walloped 0-5 in the T20I series but exhilarating to watch them get their mojo back in the subsequent one-dayers. The Black Caps won 3-0 in the 50-over format. "I think it is what it is. I have just got to put the last six weeks or so behind me and just back myself to get out there and do my thing," said Boult, who was seen rolling his arms at the BlackCaps nets during the ODI series. He is also coming after playing a club game. "I was pushing in off the long run. I think a couple of the clubbies from Taupo really enjoyed that. It was a good afternoon," added the pacer, who sent down eight overs in a friendly game for his club Cadets. Boult had to lie low due to injury, but it was also a good break as he and wife Lana welcomed their second child. The tear away pacer is refreshed after a break from cricket during which his wife gave birth to their second child. "Having some time away from the game and having my second son a couple of weeks ago came at quite a good time," said Boult. Fighting fit, all he wants now is to get hold of a red Kookaburra and get a few to tail into Kohli and company. "I am hungry to be here and can't wait to get back in the white and get the red ball moving around," Boult signed off. https://youtu.be/eYko6N3_ICk

Fully fit Boult ready to challenge Kohli & Indian batsmen in the upcoming test series