Cricket: Ronchi makes most of shots to live dream

Luke Ronchi looks a good bet for the World Cup next year. Photo / NZME.

Seldom in international cricket does a player get a second chance to make a first impression, let alone a third.

Luke Ronchi's a poster-child for reinvention.

As New Zealand prepare for their limited overs series against Pakistan this week, the 33-year-old can reflect on a career as a cricketing chameleon.

He debuted in the middle order for Australia in 2008 as a reinforcement for wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, repeated the dose for New Zealand as a gloveman-opening batsman in 2013 and has returned down the order as an expert closer. Had Daniel Vettori not been around the United Arab Emirates, there's every chance he would also have made his test debut in Sharjah, as a specialist batsman.

Ronchi's a by-product of an inclusive New Zealand environment which said, 'we believe you're good enough, now we'll give you ample opportunity to prove it'.

His potential raised national selection antennae upon arrival to play for Wellington. On debut at Karori Park in March 2012, he made 111 off 91 balls against Central Districts.

However, he slumped to an inauspicious start opening in the ODIs in England last year - 47 runs at 7.83. His efforts against the swinging ball were a hard sell, yet he wasn't scrapped.

His glovework has always been sharp, so a place was found in the middle order. Glimpses of his potential emanated. There was a 49 off 26 balls to help New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in Hambantota and his 38 off 20 balls in the tied ODI against India at Eden Park.

Then came South Africa. Few attacks threaten more than Dale Steyn, Vern Philander and Morne Morkel with a sprinkling of Imran Tahir leg spin. Ronchi showed he was adept against them on the way to an improbable 99, having come to the wicket at 68 for five. He followed it up with 79 in the second match.

Ronchi's ability to move quickly into position with exceptional bat speed, backed by dashing between the wickets, make him valuable and he's a good bet to make the World Cup team.

"I generally go in at a stage when someone else might be quite established, so I look for singles every ball and, as my confidence grows, try to squirt it over a fielder here and there," he said.

Ronchi knows the pressure will be unrelenting this summer. On the one hand, the New Zealand public's expectations are high with the current team's success. On the other, he has to fend off BJ Watling as the limited-overs wicketkeeper.

Watling, the test incumbent, averaged 38.60 with a strike rate of 137 in List A games on the New Zealand A tour of England. He was picked to close out an innings from the middle order and succeeded. He also conceded no byes and took 19 catches with the gloves.

"Everyone's always made me feel like I belong," Ronchi said. "I was fortunate to get the chance to open, but didn't do what I was supposed to. I was thankful to get another opportunity.

"I'm living dream at the moment. I miss my family [Ronchi has two children: Brody, 4, and Indi, 18 months] but Skype makes a massive difference and you don't play cricket forever. After that you've got your whole life to look forward to."

Andrew Alderson travelled to the UAE courtesy of Emirates.