Colin de Grandhomme to play for Northern Districts in 2018-19

What's the story?

New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will represent the Northern District in the 2018-19 domestic season.

"I have a lot of respect for Auckland Cricket and want to thank the team and the staff for everything they've done for me over the years. It was a hard decision, but I'm looking forward to representing Northern Districts in a big season ahead", he said, according to a New Zealand Cricket media release.

In case you didn't know...

De Grandhomme, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing IPL 2018, has played 10 Tests, 19 ODIs and as many T20Is for New Zealand till date. For the RCB, he scored 131 runs at an average of 26.20 and picked up two wickets from nine games.

The heart of the matter

With De Grandhomme's inclusion, the Northern Districts team includes nine players who are currently contracted to the New Zealand Cricket board. One of the strongest sides in the domestic circuit, the inclusion of the 31-year-old, who has played domestic for Auckland since 2007, will be a welcome move.

What's next?

With the all-rounder moving to Tauranga from Auckland, the decision to change sides made sense before the next season that starts in December.

Author's take

De Grandhomme seems to be a smart acquisition for the Districts, who are already laden with international superstars in the form of skipper Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi and Neil Wagner.

His all-round expertise, especially the ability to hit towering sixes at will and the knack for prising out wickets at crucial junctures with his military medium, augurs well for the side that seems to be balanced on all other fronts. With the 31-year-old included, the side can be termed as one of the strongest List A teams in the world.