New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup hero Grant Elliott hangs up his boots
Grant Elliott bowed out from all forms of cricket on Tuesday, August 21 after Birmingham Bears, his T20 Blast team, failed to qualify for the knockouts of the tournament.
In his last match, Elliott took 0/35 in his four overs and scored a 16-ball 29 as his team went down to Worcestershire by 15 runs.
Elliott, born in Johannesburg, moved to New Zealand in 2001 and through strong performances in the domestic circuit – first for Canterbury and later Wellington – earned call-ups to the international side across all three formats.
His most sparkling moment came in the 2015 World Cup, when his unbeaten 84 propelled New Zealand to their maiden final, edging South Africa out in a nail-biting finish. He had scored a fine 83 in the final as well, but without support from other batsmen, was unable to prevent defeat against Australia.
Elliott said that he had checked all his career goals on the cricket field and was looking forward to life after it. “Started in Johannesburg finished in Birmingham,” he announced on Instagram. “I remember being 12 and writing down my life goals. To play in a World Cup, play international cricket and play county cricket. 27 years on and I have loved every minute of it.
“Thanks to all the memorable people I have met that have made this journey special. To family and friends who have given me unwavering support despite all the sacrifices, I have had to make that have impacted them.
“Started in Johannesburg, finished in Birmingham”
“This game is a special one but it doesn’t define us. Looking forward to the future with great excitement and sharing a drink with those selfless players I shared a change room with.”
Elliott represented New Zealand in 83 ODIs, five Tests and 17 T20Is before retiring from the international game after the 2016 World T20. He, however, featured in his final T20I in 2017 for ICC World XI against Pakistan.
