De Grandhomme to miss Windies ODI series after father’s death

Wellington: New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies following the death of his father in Zimbabwe.

With no timeline set for de Grandhomme’s comeback, Doug Bracewell has been roped in the ODI squad for the series which begins from December 20 at the Cobham Oval, Whangarei.

Extending his condolences to Grandhomme’s family, national selector Gavin Larsen said, “This is obviously extremely sad news for Colin and his family and we’re all thinking of them at the moment. Right now the most important thing is that Colin is with his family.”

Grandhomme’s father Laurence, who had featured in first-class cricket in Zimbabwe, passed away at the age of 61.

It should be noted that De Grandhomme has been in great form in the recent times, having smashed 105 off 74 balls in New Zealand’s Test series against West Indies, ESPNcricinfo reported.

He not only recorded the fastest maiden Test century, but also the second-fastest Test hundred by a New Zealand batsman.

Meanwhile, it is Bracewell’s first call-up in the national squad since being slapped with 100 hours of community work after he pleaded guilty to drink-driving offence in the Hastings District Council in May.(ANI)