Cricket: Ronchi's role to finish off innings

Luke Ronchi. Photo by Getty
Luke Ronchi. Photo by Getty
Luke Ronchi might have a little trouble remembering exactly where all the games have been played.

But the Black Caps wicketkeeper-batsman ought to remember his role in New Zealand's four-wicket win against Sri Lanka in game four of the series in Nelson on Tuesday.

Chasing 277, the game was in the balance until the former Australian international whacked 24 from the 48th over to help seal the victory.

It was a confidence booster for the home side and has perhaps revealed a master plan for how the Black Caps will go about running down big scores.

''After that, um, where were we when we didn't play so well? Hamilton was it? Sorry it was quite a few games ago,'' Ronchi said.

''After that game we wanted to play a bit better and do our rolls a bit better. [On Tuesday] it worked quite well.

''There are a few things we still want to get better at and perfect but we are still winning some games of cricket so that is a good thing.''

Ronchi hit poor old Thisara Perera for three sixes in the aforementioned over in a thrilling finish to the match.

His ability to find the boundary will have Sri Lanka pondering how it will approach the final overs in game five at the University Oval today, if Ronchi is at the crease.

''That is the role I've got - to finish off an innings whether we are setting a score of chasing a score.

''We didn't quite need an over like that but it just sort of happened that way. Lucky enough for us Perera missed the hole ... he had gone really well the overs before that, so I got away with some and was lucky enough to whack a couple over the boundary.''

The Black Caps are taking the series against Sri Lanka seriously but, with the World Cup getting under way next month, there is some experimenting taking place.

''We've got blueprints for batting and bowling and a game plan that everyone wants to stick to.

''We're not changing that at all. It is just the personnel that changes from game to game.

''And getting games under people's belts and working out the best combinations and things,'' Ronchi said.

If everything goes to plan today, he will come out to bat with about 10 overs remaining and set to work finding boundaries. It is a high-pressure time to bat.

''If you think that way then you are putting too much pressure on yourself.

''If I go out there as relaxed as I possibly can. That is the best thing for me.

''If I think about that sort of stuff too early I'd be sitting there for 40 overs just stewing over it. That's not the best thing at it.''

New Zealand leads the seven-game series 2-1 with three matches remaining. A win today would see the home side take an unassailable lead.

Game six is in Dunedin on Sunday and the final match is in Wellington on Thursday.

Fans of pace bowling may feel a little short-changed with Black Caps speedster Adam Milne ruled out.

He picked up a side strain during the four-wicket win in Nelson and is unlikely to return until the final match.

Milne's spot will be taken by either veteran Kyle Mills or left-armer Trent Boult, who was the 12th man in Nelson.

Add a Comment

OUTSTREAM