Luke Ronchi announces retirement from international cricket
New Zealand's wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi has announced his retirement from international cricket, at the age of 36, today. The Kiwi represented the Blackcaps in 4 Tests, 85 ODIs, and 32 T20I starting from 2013 before which he played with the Australian side in 2008/09.
Luke Ronchi started his career with the Australian side and featured for them in 4 ODIs and 3 T20Is before returning to the country of his birth, New Zealand. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 319 runs in the four Tests averaging 39.87 runs per innings. The 36-year old amassed 1397 runs and 359 runs in ODIs and T20Is respectively with his best score being an unbeaten 170 off 99 balls against Sri Lanka in an ODI during 2014-15. The Kiwi also played a part in 117 dismissals with 105 catches and 12 stumpings.
Ronchi last appeared for the Kiwis in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy tournament where he scored a 43-ball 65 against Australia in their opening encounter of the tournament. The bright innings was followed by a first ball duck against England and 16 against Bangladesh as the Kiwis bowed out of the tournament in the group stages.
However, the wicketkeeper-batsman will continue playing on the domestic circuit and will be available for Wellington as well as Leicestershire, who will compete in the upcoming NatWest T20 Blast.
"It was a dream come true," Ronchi told ESPN, of his time as a New Zealand cricketer. "I can't think of a better time to have been involved with New Zealand
"It would also be remiss of me to not acknowledge the incredible support provided by my wife Shaan and our children Brody and Indi. Cricket takes you away from home for long periods of time, and my family have been very understanding."
New Zealand's coach Mike Hesson described Ronchi as a complete athlete and a great team player.
"We'll remember Luke fondly for the energy he created in the field and his selfless attitude towards the team," said Hesson.
"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," added Hesson. "He was a very skilful
"We'll miss having him around the group and we wish him well in his future endeavours." he concluded.
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