Trent Boult: New Zealand bowler will have 'significantly reduced' role with Black Caps

As a result, the bowler, 33, will have a "significantly reduced" role with his country, said New Zealand Cricket.

Boult took 317 wickets in 78 Tests and is currently in top of the international one-day bowling rankings.

He said it was a "decision really difficult" but "the time has come to move on to this next phase".

"I have always have a great desire to represent my country and I feel I have the skills to deliver at an international level,” said Boult. the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection.

"In the end, this decision concerns my wife Gert and our three young boys.

"Family has always been the greatest motivation for me and I feel comfortable putting her first and preparing for life after cricket."

New Zealand Cricket said it respects Boult's decision.

"He was completely honest and upfront with us about his reasoning and, while we are sad to lose him as a contract player, he leaves with our best wishes and heartfelt thanks," said general manager David White. /p>

"We got several conversations and I know Trent understands that in terms of selection NZC will continue to prioritize players with Central or National contracts."

Boult has played for the Black Caps since his Test debut in 2011, but he and other New Zealand players are likely to earn far less financially than those from other bigger nations.

Boult has also been a regular in the Indian Premier League, where players are paid big bucks.

< p class="" data-reactid=".1kmvej81bfw.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-14" > His decision comes amid growing talk around the busy international schedule, with England Test captain Ben Stokes saying he there's "too much cricket".

Stokes quit the One Day Internationals last month to extend his Test and Twenty20 career.