New Zealand star retires from international cricket

New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The 36-year-old played in four ODIs and three T20Is for Australia in 2008 and 2009, but came into his own after transferring his allegiance back to his native New Zealand in 2013.

He added four Tests, 85 ODIs and 32 T20Is for the Black Caps, and was an integral member of the 2015 World Cup side that captured their country's imagination in a memorable run to the final.

He averaged 23.67 in ODIs at a strike-rate of 114.50, and 18.89 in T20Is at 141.33, but was trusted for his ball-striking skills, not least in his final international campaign, the Champions Trophy in England earlier this month, when a brisk 65 from 43 balls as opener put New Zealand into a winning position against Australia, only for rain to have the final say.

Ronchi will continue to be available to play for Wellington, as well as on the domestic T20 circuit around the world - with his next assignment coming in the NatWest T20 Blast for Leicestershire.

"It was a dream come true," Ronchi said of his time as a New Zealand cricketer.