CRICKET: EXPLOSIVE all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will return to Edgbaston this season to compete as Birmingham Bears’ overseas player in the Natwest T20 Blast.
The 31-year-old, who scored the second fastest test match century by a New Zealander in December, will be available for all games in next year’s T20 Blast campaign.
Last year, Grandhomme guided Bears to the final of the competition before falling short to Nottinghamshire in front of a sell-out crowd in September.
Ashley Giles, sport director at Warwickshire CCC, said: “I spoke about Colin being a moneyball player when we announced his signing last year.
“He was still establishing himself in the international game, but had made plenty of game-changing performances for Auckland.
“We also recognised that he is an outstanding character who would be a good addition to the dressing room.
“He went on to play a huge role on our path to the final last year and we saw him change the outlook of several games very quickly, particularly his innings against Derbyshire Falcons at home, and Northants Steelbacks and Surrey away.
“He’s incredibly popular with everyone at Edgbaston and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back to the club in July ahead of our first game away to Notts Outlaws.”
De Grandhomme played in Birmingham Bears’ 16 NatWest T20 Blast games in 2017, scoring 322 runs at a strike rate of 170.32. He also took five wickets.
He’s made 12 International T20 appearances to date for New Zealand, but has also earned eight Test and 14 One-Day International caps.
“I absolutely loved my time with the Bears last season,” said de Grandhomme.
“We played some excellent T20 cricket and came very close to winning the T20 Blast on Finals Day.
“We’ve got a young squad with plenty of firepower, and I believe that we have every chance of going one step further in 2018.
“Playing in-front of a big crowd at Edgbaston with the fans in full voice is a special experience and I’m looking forward to returning to the Bears in July.”
