Ronchi raring for Foxes debut

NatWest T20 Blast often requires versatility, experience and a cool head, so Leicestershire Foxes have struck gold with the signing of New Zealand overseas player Luke Ronchi.

The powerful batsman has settled straight into life with the Foxes and his presence both on the field and in the dressing room will be a big boost ahead of the opening North Group fixture against Lancashire Lightning at Aigburth tomorrow (2.30pm start).

Ronchi will have no issue adapting to both conditions and the demands of T20 cricket given he had a licence to thrill at the top of the order for the Black Caps in the ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales last month.

So it is fair to say that Ronchi is immediately ready to rock and roll for the Foxes - and the batsman is happy to fulfil whatever role given to him in the latest chapter of his glittering career.

"It’s been a whirlwind start but I’ve enjoyed it, you get used to that as an overseas player,” said Ronchi. “I was here a couple of weeks ago with New Zealand so I already feel settled in England, I'm just looking forward to getting started.

"I'm getting to know everybody and I’ll do whatever the coach and captain want in terms of my role. If they both want me to bat at eleven, I'll do it! I’m happy to do whatever is asked of me.

"I've been feeling really good with the bat. Going back to opening in the Champions Trophy was a challenge, and the plan came off some times but not others - that's the nature of being aggressive. 

"It’s also the nature of playing T20 cricket, where everyone is naturally more aggressive, so there are similarities there.

"There will be games where you don't make runs but plenty of others that you do, so it's a case of staying level and riding the peaks and troughs when they come. I’m experienced enough to know that."

Ronchi is expecting a tough challenge at Aigburth but insists that the Foxes are ready to go head to head with a Lightning side that has excelled in the format in recent times.

"It's always fun to play white ball cricket," said Ronchi. "It's all about enjoying it and getting people excited about coming to the games. You always get good crowds in NatWest T20 Blast, it's a busy tournament but is good fun to be a part of.

"The first game is always intense but that's the way I like it. If we get an early spark, things can roll on from there. It will be a tough game up at Lancashire but that is what you want first up.

"I’ve never played up at Liverpool but I’ve been told there will be a good atmosphere there, as there generally is when you play at the outgrounds. We can’t wait to get started."

While Ronchi has had a relatively quick introduction to the Leicestershire changing room, he has been welcomed by some familiar faces.

Ronchi said: "I've played against Leicestershire in the last couple of years and I know Cozzie [Mark Cosgrove] and Clint McKay, we go a long way back. 

"I played with Richard Jones at Warwickshire and also got to know Rob Sayer when he came out to Wellington to do some work with [New Zealand off-spinner] Jeetan Patel. 

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and want to make a good impression with everyone. As a senior player you naturally help the younger ones, but any advice is good for everyone. You never stop learning. I am more than happy to share knowledge. That's the way cricket should be."

It has been a testing week of cricket and travelling for several members of the 14-man squad as the Specsavers County Championship fixture at Sussex is immediately followed with the trip to Liverpool. 

Those not involved at Arundel, like Ronchi and fellow big-hitter Cameron Delport, have been perfecting their white ball skills in specific practice sessions.

Ronchi is one of six potential Foxes debutants in NatWest T20 Blast tomorrow. Colin Ackermann, Mathew Pillans, Callum Parkinson, Dieter Klein and Gavin Griffiths, who is returning to his former county, are also yet to represent the Foxes in the format.

Neil Dexter (personal issue), Ben Raine (side) and Zak Chappell (groin) are all unavailable for the trip to face Lancashire, who got their campaign underway with an excellent win at Durham Jets on Friday evening.

Lightning have made one adjustment to their 14-man squad as Danny Lamb comes in for the injured Saqib Mahmood.

Foxes (from): McKay (capt), Aadil, Ackermann, Cosgrove, Delport, Eckersley, Griffiths, Hill, Klein, Parkinson, Pillans, Ronchi, Sayer, Wells.

Lightning (from): Croft (capt), Bailey, Buttler, Brown, Clark, Jarvis, Jones, Lamb, Lilley, Livingstone, McLaren, Parkinson, Parry, Vilas.