ICC Champions Trophy 2013: McCullum backs Ronchi to come good

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum believes it’s only a matter of time before Luke Ronchi “tears a team apart” with the bat after a run of low scores since making his Black Caps debut.

Although born in New Zealand, Ronchi played international cricket for Australia, where he grew up, in four one-dayers and three Twenty20s from 2008 to 2009.

However, he subsequently returned home and made his New Zealand debut in the first one-day international against England at Lord’s last month.

Unfortunately for Ronchi, who has forged a reputation as a dynamic one-day opener in New Zealand domestic cricket, he marked that occasion with a duck.

And so far his run of ODI scores for New Zealand reads nought, two, 22, seven and 14.

But McCullum, speaking ahead of New Zealand’s Champions Trophy match against England in Cardiff on Sunday — where victory for either side will see them into the semi-finals – reiterated his faith in 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Ronchi to reproduce his domestic form at international level.

“‘Ronch’ is a little bit disappointed that he hasn’t got that one big score yet but his keeping has been outstanding and he’s a very valuable member of the team and he’s an experienced player as well,” said McCullum, who gave up the gloves in this format to let Ronchi take over behind the stumps.

“His role at the top of the order is to get us away to a quick start and sometimes when you’re playing that high risk cricket you can get out cheaply as well,” he added.

“We’re confident that Luke will come good very shortly and when he does he’s going to tear a team apart as well.”

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