Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith says the upcoming Blackcaps ODI series against Pakistan is a “make or break” for Colin de Grandhomme.
Having had success against the Pakistani side in the past, taking 6-41 on his test debut in late 2016, Smith believes that the all-rounder must “draw on” that form if given the opportunity in the three-match series.
“Well he (Colin de Grandhomme) actually plays pretty well against Pakistan,” Smith said on SENZ’s Mornings with Ian Smith.
“Remember when he first came into the New Zealand Test side? They gave him the ball (and) he got six wickets.
“And then he got runs against them as well, he had a heck of a series there and that was the making of Colin de Grandhomme.
“So if he can draw on that, if he’s memory is good enough to go that far back, he can say ‘yeah well at least I’ve got confidence against this side’.
Smith thinks that this series is crucial for the 35-year-old given the likes of Daryl Mitchell and other all-round talent currently in New Zealand cricket.
“He’s a go to guy (Daryl Mitchell), he’s a dollars and sets cricketer for me, and Colin de Grandhomme at the moment is far from that,” Smith continued.
“So if they do give him (de Grandhomme) the opportunity, he should grab it, he really has to grab it… make or break for Colin de Grandhomme I feel.”
New Zealand will face Pakistan in the first of three ODIs on Friday at Pindi Club Ground.
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