New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott has confirmed his retirement from international cricket after signing a Kolpak deal to play for the Birmingham Bears in England’s Twenty20 competition.

The 38-year-old joins compatriot Colin de Grandhomme and Jeetan Patel in county cricket, which means he will be available as an overseas player.

Loved playing with the @BLACKCAPS and to have made some special friendships along the way.A team environment I will never forget.#BTB pic.twitter.com/3kl78X11ya

— Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) March 30, 2017

The South Africa-born destructive batsman, who retired from one-day internationals in April last year has played 83 ODIs and five test matches, with his last NZ match in their semi-final loss to England at the World Twenty20.

BREAKING: @grantelliottnz join the Bears for the @NatWestT20Blast this season. See more here: https://t.co/CTUP6cwyZ3 pic.twitter.com/kxB6UkXlmW

— Birmingham Bears ? (@BearsT20) March 30, 2017