36-year-old New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Born in New Zealand but raised mostly in Australia, Luke Ronchi became a cricketing rarity by representing both countries. His first international incarnation came for Australia in the West Indies in 2008 when he stood in for the injured Brad Haddin in four ODIs and a Twenty20.
Ronchi featured in 4 ODIs and 3 T20 International before making a switch to New Zealand, his country of birth in 2012. It took Ronchi only a year to break into the national side after which he went on to play 4 Test matches, 81 ODIs, and 29 T20 internationals.
Luke Ronchi was recently seen with the New Zealand team in the Champions Trophy where he had a mixed out. He began with a fifty against Australia in the group stages but then his form dipped as New Zealand bowed out in the group stages. This was his last international appearance for New Zealand but he will continue to play domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Ronchi will also offer his professional services to Leicestershire as he was roped in place of Sharjeel Khan in March.
“It was a dream come true,” Ronchi said, of the chance to play for New Zealand. “I can”t think of a better time to have been involved with New Zealand Cricket. From the 2015 World Cup campaign, through to the overseas tours of that time and some amazing games and series, it”s been a genuine highlight for me.”
Tributes poured in for the 36-year-old soon after his announcement and one of the first to comment on his reitrement was coach Mike Hesson
“We”ll remember Luke fondly for the energy he created in the field and his selfless attitude towards the team. He was always prepared to play a role for the greater good of the team; to do what was required even if that risked sacrificing his wicket.
“Luke was one of the best glovemen going around and I think that”s often overlooked in a game increasingly dominated by batting and run-scoring. He was a very skillful wicketkeeper and a very destructive batsman.
“We”ll miss having him around the group and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”
