Former Oz wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi dreams of becoming Kiwi player

Wellington, Feb 25(ANI): Former Australian wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi is set to play for Wellington in New Zealand's domestic league, and since he was born in New Zealand, it gives him a chance to qualify for the New Zealand team as per International Cricket Council's (ICC) rules book.

He was born in Dannevirke, and brought up on 'a little hobby farm'. Ronchi moved with his family to Perth, one week out from his seventh birthday

Ronchi, who dreamt of playing international cricket for the Australia and New Zealand, is delighted with the recent developments.

"My dream was to play international cricket. I still remember when I was at school [in Perth] and we had to write down what we wanted to be when we were older. I still remember saying 'be a cricketer for Australia or New Zealand," Stuff.co.nz quoted Ronchi, as saying.

In 2008, the Australian part came true, when the wicketkeeper-batsman made his international Twenty20 debut against the West Indies in Barbados.

It was the first of just three matches he played for Australia in that format, along with a further four one-day internationals, but Brad Haddin's return meant he had to wait for his chance again, which eventually has never come till date.

His parents returned to New Zealand, settling in Napier, and the ICC rules means he is still eligible to play for the country of his birth.

Wellington will be his initial destination, but he hopes this journey will take him right through to the Black Caps.onchi is now contemplating over fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for both countries.If it did happen, it would be an amazing thing to do," Ronchi said.

"I've had a chat with [Black Caps head coach] John Wright and Kim Littlejohn. It was only to say 'if I come over, will I be looked at?' From all indications they will, because my main goal is to hopefully play for New Zealand," he added. (ANI)