Sodhi a blast in England
Black Caps Ish Sodhi and Colin de Grandhomme have been quickly snapped up by English Twenty20 teams for the 2018 season.
Sodhi, the world’s No 1-ranked T20 bowler, has agreed a new deal to return to Notts Outlaws as their second overseas player for the T20 Blast.
‘‘I can’t wait to come back as it was such an amazing experience playing in a winning team last year,’’ he said.
‘‘We had such a great bond as a team, as well as some very talented players.
‘‘He was still establishing himself in the international game, but had made plenty of gamechanging performances for Auckland,’’ Giles said of de Grandhomme’s 2017 signing.
‘‘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 said he’s thrilled to be back.
‘‘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.’’