Luke Ronchi named New Zealand batting coach

Luke Ronchi has been appointed New Zealand batting coach for the upcoming season to fill the vacancy created by Peter Fulton's departure.

He has been a regular around the squad in the last couple of seasons as Gary Stead has used various specialist coaches.

"I'm absolutely pumped," he said. "I've really enjoyed being back with the team in recent seasons and it's exciting to be given the opportunity full-time this summer.

"Getting the chance to continue working with our batsmen is a great honour and I'm looking forward to seeing how I can help improve their games and best prepare them to perform at the highest level.

"It'll be great to sit down with Gary and the other coaches to begin planning for what will be a busy summer with four touring teams who will all bring different challenges."

Bryan Stronach, NZC's general manager of high performance, said that Ronchi had received good feedback when he had previously worked with the players and there was the added advantage of his wicketkeeping knowledge.

"Luke's got a very good cricket brain and is especially strong tactically," he said. "He has a positive mindset and is good at building relationships but he's also not afraid to challenge people which is a really important aspect of coaching.

"The feedback we got from the players and team support staff at last year's World Cup in particular was very positive and I know he's looking forward to continuing his work with the team this summer. There's no doubt that, alongside the batsmen, our wicketkeepers will also benefit from having Luke around."

New Zealand's home season will start with T20Is against West Indies at the end of November followed by two Tests. Pakistan then visit for T20Is and Test matches with Australia and Bangladesh slated to tour next year although those series are still awaiting government approval.