New Zealand’s Colin de Grandhomme calls time on his international career

AUCKLAND: New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday citing injuries and increased national team competition in all three formats as the reason behind the decision.

De Grandhomme, 36, represented the Black Caps in 115 caps, scoring 2,679 runs and claiming 91 wickets in three formats.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Grandhomme called off his international career after discussing the issue with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) with both parties agreeing to release the all-rounder from his core contract.

“I accept that I am not getting any younger and that training is getting harder, particularly with injuries,” de Grandhomme said in a statement released by NZC.

“I also have a growing family and am trying to understand what my future looks like after cricket. All of this has been on my mind for the last few weeks.”

Earlier this week, de Grandhomme was selected by the Adelaide Strikers in the inaugural Big Bash League player draft.

De Grandhomme was part of the New Zealand team that won the first World Test Championship by beating India in the final held in 2021. He also played a crucial role in the 2019 Cricket World Cup campaign for the Black Caps, who finished as tournament runners-up after losing to England in a dramatic final at Lord’s.

“I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to play for the Black Caps since I made my debut in 2012 and I am proud of my international career, but I feel this is the right time to end it,” he said.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead paid tribute to the all-rounder following his decision.

“Colin has been a hugely influential part of the Black Caps and contributed to some of the team’s greatest accomplishments,” he said. “His immense power with the bat and his skills with the ball made him a true game winner and an asset to any team.”

De Grandhomme played 29 Tests and finished with two centuries, eight half-centuries and took 49 wickets, including going 6-for-41 on his debut against Pakistan in 2016. He also had 30 wickets and 742 runs to his credit in 45 ODIs. His 41 T20I appearances included 12 wickets and 505 runs.

READ: Afghanistan overtakes Bangladesh and qualifies for the 2022 Super 4s Asian Cup