Birmingham Bears have signed New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman Luke Ronchi for all 14 NatWest T20 Blast group games in 2016.
Ronchi (34) has won 29 international T20 caps and recently played in the ICC World T20 semi-final against England, as well as being an integral part of the BlackCaps team that reached last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup final. He will join Birmingham Bears ahead of the first NatWest T20 Blast group game away to Notts Outlaws on Friday 20 May.
Dougie Brown, Director of Cricket, said: “Luke has played in the biggest limited overs competitions in the world and he is widely recognised as one of the finest wicket-keeper batsmen in the game.
“Having a player of his quality for all 14 group games is a huge boost as we look to build on our recent success in the competition. His power and ability to consistently hit boundaries will bolster our middle-order batting line-up and I am sure that his performances will also be great entertainment for our fans at Edgbaston.”
[quote cite=”Luke Ronchi”]The Club has a great fan base and I’m looking forward making Edgbaston my home and experiencing its electric atmosphere as a Bear.[/quote]
Ronchi spent part of last season with Somerset in the NatWest T20 Blast, but has also enjoyed spells with Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash and Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He plays domestic cricket in New Zealand for Wellington Firebirds along with the Bears’ long-standing overseas star, off-spinner Jeetan Patel.
Commenting on signing, Luke Ronchi said: “Birmingham Bears have been one of the top teams in T20 over the last two years and I’m very excited to join such a great Club that boasts several internationals.
“The Club has a great fan base and I’m looking forward making Edgbaston my home and experiencing its electric atmosphere as a Bear.”
Birmingham Bears fans will have the first chance to see Luke Ronchi at Edgbaston on Friday 27 May when the team face local rivals Worcestershire Rapids in the NatWest T20 Blast.
Tickets are available at the Early Bird price of £15 if purchasing before midnight on Sunday 17 April, but then increased to £19 thereafter and £23 on the day of the match. To purchase tickets or a Season Pass, please click here or call 0844 847 1902.
