Mitchell, de Grandhomme confirmed as Lancashire’s overseas signings

Lancashire have signed New Zealand duo Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme for the upcoming season, with deals covering the Vitality T20 Blast and the start of the County Championship season.

The pair will join as the three overseas signings alongside the club’s longtime valet – Dane Vilas. Vilas stepped down from his role as the club’s captain but has shown his loyalty to the club and remains as a player. With only two overseas players being restricted, the club see plenty of options in the squad composition with these two.

“We are delighted to add both Daryl and Colin to our squad and to be able to do so for such a large part of the 2023 season – which has been a key factor for us as we were looking for overseas signings this year,” said the Lancarshire’s director of cricket performance said Mark Chilton.

“The schedule as it has been in recent years continues to be very challenging due to the amount of cricket we play in a short space of time, particularly in the middle of summer in May, June and July. With that in mind we want to make sure that we have enough strength in the deep to be prepared for any eventuality, and Daryl and Colin are giving us just that.

De Grandhomme has extensive experience playing in England, having previously represented Hampshire, Surrey and Birmingham Bears. Mitchell is expected to arrive ahead of the May 11 Somerset game. Both all-rounders will be available during the T20 season.

“Colin will be there from the start against Surrey in the County Championship before Daryl joins us in mid-May. The pair will then both be available throughout our Vitality Blast campaign, giving us many options alongside Dane Vilas for different plays and scenarios.”

Mitchell will bring form and experience to the county side after showing his A game in the series against England

“Had a taste of both the Vitality Blast and the County Championship with Middlesex in 2021 and am really looking forward to contributing for Lancashire in both competitions this summer. The chance to test my skills again in two strong competitions is an exciting player,” Mitchell said.

“I really enjoy playing in English conditions and experiencing the special history of the game across the country. I have very good memories from my two England tours with New Zealand and hope to build more with Lancashire. It will also be great to link up with my old Blackpool teammates Steven Croft and Richard Gleeson who played there for a summer in 2016.”

Grandhomme, who has now retired from international cricket, also jumped in with his thoughts.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to play for Lancashire this season. I used to love playing county cricket and I can’t wait to get to England in April to start the Red Rose season,” Grandhomme said.