Bears re-sign De Grandhomme for T20 Blast campaign

New Zealand international will return to Edgbaston after hitting 322 runs in 2017 competition

^{Colin de Grandhomme will return to Birmingham Bears in 2018}

Birmingham Bears have announced that New Zealand allrounder Colin de Grandhomme will return as the dedicated T20 overseas player for 2018.

De Grandhomme - who smashed the second-fastest Test century by a New Zealander in December off just 71 balls, second only to Brendom McCullum's farewell masterpiece - will be available for all games in next year’s T20 Blast campaign after helping the Bears to the final at Edgbaston in 2017.

Sport director at Warwickshire, Ashley Giles, 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.

^{De Grandhomme smashed 322 runs for the Bears in 2017}

"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 featured in 16 NatWest T20 Blast games in 2017, scoring 322 runs at a strike rate of 170.32 and taking five wickets.

The New Zealander said: "I absolutely loved my time with the Bears last season. 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."