• New coaching structure announced for Dream 11 Super Smash title defence

• BLACKCAP LUKE RONCHI joins Central Stags T20 staff

He was born in Dannevirke at the heart of Central Districts, before a childhood move to Perth. When he finally returned to New Zealand to reignite his international cricket aspirations, he would represent Wellington en route to becoming a star for the BLACKCAPS.

Now, Luke Ronchi will finally be decked out in the green and gold of the Central Stags for the first time in his extensive career — as the team’s newly appointed Assistant Coach for this year’s Dream 11 Super Smash.

T20 star Ronchi is joining the coaching staff for the Stags’ New Zealand title defence after CDCA agreed to release Mickey Arthur from his Head Coach contract, while coach Aldin Smith — who has been guiding the Stags through the first-class Plunket Shield and one-day Ford Trophy campaigns — will step into the head role for the T20s that begin on Friday night, 13 December in Napier.

 

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Internationally renowned coach Arthur had been appointed in September to coach the Stags solely in this season’s T20 campaign, but has requested a release from his contract which CDCA has granted.

Commented CDCA CEO Pete de Wet, “Mickey is a great cricket coach, and a top guy, and I wish him well in his next assignment.

“We are obviously disappointed that Mickey requested a release from his contract as he would have brought his extensive experience and energy to our campaign — something that we were really looking forward to.

“However, we are confident that Aldin is well placed to add the T20 campaign to his current scope as Interim Stags Coach for this season, and we are excited to announce that Luke Ronchi is joining him on the coaching staff as Assistant Coach to contribute his specialist expertise to our Dream 11 Super Smash campaign specifically.

Skilful Ronchi has both played for and coached the BLACKCAPS | PHOTOSPORT

“Luke brings with him an absolute wealth of experience in the T20 format both as a respected international player and coach, and is excited to be linking up with the Stags for the imminent trophy defence.”

Ronchi packs a lengthy CV as a player, having the special distinction of having represented both Australia and the BLACKCAPS, as well as playing in the major T20 cricket franchise leagues around the world — including stints with the Mumbai Indians, Perth Scorchers, County sides Somerset, Warwickshire and Leicestershire as well as the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

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The 38-year-old made his BLACKCAPS debut in May 2013, going on to play all three formats for his country of birth and fashioning a reputation as one the world’s most aggressive wicketkeeper-batsmen.

He retired from the BLACKCAPS in June 2017, but rejoined the national team in April this year when he was appointed on a short-term contract by NZC as fielding and wicket-keeping coach for the team’s impressive 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign.

Ronchi will join the Central Stags in Napier next week where the side will go into camp ahead of their opening fixture at McLean Park on 13 December. CDCA has announced the Dream 11 Super Smash season opener — a rematch with beaten Grand Finalists the Knights — will be free admission to celebrate the Stags’ 2019 championship victory earlier this year.

The Stags have been New Zealand's Super Smash Grand Finalists for three consecutive seasons, and reigning first-class champions for the past two seasons.

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Article added: Thursday 28 November 2019