Grant Elliott to decide on New Zealand career after the 2016 T20 World Cup
Grant Elliott said that he will take a decision regarding retirement from the sport at the end of the 2016 T20 World Cup, ESPNCricinfo reports. The New Zealander, who will be close to 37 at the end of the tournament to be staged in India, said that it would be the ideal time to take a call on his career.
Elliot, who enjoyed a successful 50-over World Cup campaign earlier this year, which included a match-winning knock in the semi final against South Africa, said that he would be aiming to make the T20 next year an equally memorable experience.
"I've enjoyed it so much in this environment, it really has been rewarding playing with the guys and the way that the culture has changed has been awesome. As long as I'm enjoying it and performing I'll play as long as I can," Elliott said at an event in Wellington. "You spend quite a bit of time away from home, and there are work opportunities, so I'll just assess it at the end of the World T20. I really want to aim towards that and it'd be great to play in two World Cups within a year."
Elliot still has fond memories of the 2015 World Cup, especially his heroics against the Proteas and was delighted that his knock went on to increase the profile of cricket in the nation.
Six months after that amazing semi-final clash, Elliot says that people still come up to him and thank him for taking the Black Caps so far into the World Cup. Elliot acknowledged that he was thrilled with his performances but was more delighted with the way it has resonated with the general public.
"I've never really played cricket for the attention; but it's great to get positive attention rather than negative… People [still] come up and say 'thanks a lot'. Everyone remembers where they were during that semi-final," he said.
Elliot praised the comradry in the New Zealand side and was delighted that his side’s efforts had inspired the youngsters in his homeland.
"We have amazing memories as a team. To see the kids now, how the World Cup has inspired them and see the impact you can make as a player is pretty special. Everyone who played in that World Cup, wherever you go, you can see kids and feel like you've had a part to play in their career, or their choice of sport," Elliot said.