Grant Elliott bids adieu to international cricket

Wellington [New Zealand], Apr. 01 (ANI): New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott, who struck a six off South Africa paceman Dale Steyn's delivery to guide his country to their maiden World Cup final in 2015, has confirmed his retirement from international cricket after signing a deal to play in England's T20 competition. The 38-year-old confirmed his full retirement from international cricket in receiving a special presentation alongside Nathan McCullum at an award night on Thursday. Posting a picture of him with New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and vice-captain Tim Southee, Elliott wrote on Twitter, "Loved playing with the @BLACKCAPS and to have made some special friendships along the way. A team environment I will never forget. #BTB". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Loved playing with the <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS">@BLACKCAPS</a> and to have made some special friendships along the way.A team environment I will never forget.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTB?src=hash">#BTB</a> <a href="https://t.co/3kl78X11ya">pic.twitter.com/3kl78X11ya</a></p>&mdash; Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) <a href="https://twitter.com/grantelliottnz/status/847443527789301760">March 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> A veteran of more than 100 games for the Black Caps, the South African-born player emigrated to New Zealand in 2001 and made his international debut in 2008, stuff.co.nz reported. Elliott, who took retirement from ODI cricket in April last year, appeared in five Tests and 16 T20Is for New Zealand but was most prominent in the 50-over format, where he played 83 games and scored almost 2000 runs besides also taking 39 wickets. Elliott will now join New Zealand internationals Colin de Grandhomme and Jeetan Patel at the Birmingham Bears after signing a Kolpak deal, which means he gives up his right to play for his country and is not classed as one of the two overseas players each team is allowed.(ANI)