A foot in both camps!

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Leicestershire Foxes supporters would rather have Grant Elliott on their side than against them – but the all-rounder is in the unique position of doing both this summer!

Elliott is a key member of the Foxes NatWest T20 Blast side and could find himself playing against his club teammates when New Zealand play at Grace Road on Saturday (10.30am).

The experienced batsman is relishing the opportunity to play for club and country as he combines NatWest T20 Blast duties with those in the Royal London ODI series.

“As soon as I signed for the Foxes and got the call-up to the New Zealand squad, I’ve been really looking forward to the summer,” said Elliott.

“The timing in terms of playing T20 for Leicestershire and the ODI series for New Zealand against England has been good. NatWest T20 Blast has helped me to prepare for the conditions I will face in the ODIs, and the ODIs can then help me to prepare for the rest of the Blast.

“I’m only missing four games for the Foxes so it has all fallen quite well. I played some county cricket at Surrey in 2009 so that seems a long time ago now, but I’ve also played for New Zealand in England.

“I enjoy the grounds, the atmosphere and the conditions here. England has seen a lot of changes but are still a dangerous side, so it will be a good ODI series.

“It’s great to be a senior player in a young group and I like to think I can bring experience having played more than 60 ODIs over a six-year period.

“We have some good cricketers and we are a very cohesive unit. It is a pleasure to play for New Zealand with such a good group of players and coaches and hopefully we can continue to have success.”

The Black Caps come into the back of the series in terrific form after winning all of their ICC World Cup games before losing the final to Australia.

The 36-year-old is not one to look to the past too much - that is not too big a surprise given he tries to help future generations by being a campaigner for climate change - but when he finds time for reflection, there will be plenty of happy memories.

Elliott played a key role in the semi-final win against South Africa and also top-scored in the final, so will be one of the key wickets to get for the Foxes and England.

He said: “That semi-final was amazing. Eden Park is a very intense place to play because it is set up to be a rugby field. It can be very intimidating for the opposition and it was a very memorable game for us all.

“I don’t think people give Brendon McCullum enough credit for his innings because he was simply outstanding at the start of the run chase and he allowed me and the other boys to bat at our own pace.

“I don’t like to look back too much at the final but from 150-3 it was very disappointing for us because we were in a very good position. But Australia is a world-class team and took their opportunity once they got one.

“It was great to play in such a good team and this is an exciting period for New Zealand cricket. We have a lot of guys under the age of 26 and there is already focus on the next World Cup. This is an important series and the game against Leicestershire is important too as part of the preparation.”