New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday.
De Grandhomme made the decision to bring down the curtain on an impressive international career after discussions this week with New Zealand Cricket – which has agreed to release him from his central contract.
The Zimbabwean-born Kiwi said a range of factors had played a part in his decision, not least his struggles with injury and the increasing competition for places in all three formats.
“I accept that I am not getting any younger and that the training is getting harder, particularly with the injuries. I also have a growing family and am trying to understand what my future looks like post-cricket. All of this has been on my mind over the past few weeks,” said the all-rounder in a statement.
“I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to play for the BLACKCAPS since debuting in 2012 and I am proud of my international career – but I feel this is the right time to finish.”
De Grandhomme departs the international stage with an impressive record, particularly in the Test arena; his 29 matches realising 1432 runs at 38.70, including centuries against the West Indies and South Africa, and 49 wickets at 32.95 – including six for 41 on debut against Pakistan.
A measure of his influence in the Test environment is that he featured in 18 wins, playing a key role in the BLACKCAPS inaugural ICC World Test Championship campaign, which ended with a victory over India in the final at Southampton.
De Grandhomme also proved valuable in the BLACKCAPS ODI side, in 45 outings scoring 742 runs at a strike rate of 106.15 and taking 30 wickets at 41.00 with the ball, as the side reached a No.1 world ranking, and qualified for the final of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.