Birmingham Bears have signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi for all 14 NatWest T20 Blast group games in 2016.
The 34-year-old has played 29 international games in the format, most recently the ICC World T20 semi-final against England, and also appeared in last year’s World Cup final.
Ronchi said: “Birmingham Bears have been one of the top teams in T20 over the last two years and I’m very excited to join such a great club that boasts several internationals.
“The club has a great fan base and I’m looking forward making Edgbaston my home and experiencing its electric atmosphere as a Bear.”
Bears director of cricket Dougie Brown added: “Having a player of Luke’s quality for all 14 group games is a huge boost as we look to build on our recent success in the competition. His power and ability to consistently hit boundaries will bolster our middle-order batting line-up.”
Ronchi played five games for Somerset in last season’s NatWest T20 Blast, with a top score of 49 off 23 balls against Gloucestershire. He has played alongside the Bears’ long-standing overseas star, off-spinner Jeetan Patel, for both Wellington Firebirds and New Zealand and will arrive in time for May 20’s opening group game away to Notts Outlaws.
Source: ECB