Citizenship is the defining characteristic when it comes to a player representing two nations. Especially in the European Union, it is common to switch allegiances. We have also come across numerous instances wherein a cricketer has served two nations. Here, in this article, we talk about five popular cricketers who have played for two international teams in ODIs.
In cricket, players tend to switch nations mostly in search of better opportunities. In some cases, cricketers have made the move to a more established cricketing nation as a step forward in their careers. This happening has also assisted countries to strengthen their squads and enhance the overall cricketing standards.
1. Eoin Morgan – Ireland and England
Eoin Morgan is one of the most popular players to have played for two international teams in ODIs. Born in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, Morgan started out his Irish career in the U19 setup. He was part of two U19 World Cups for his birth country before making his senior debut. After playing 23 ODIs for Ireland, Morgan made the switch to England in 2009.
Morgan donning the English jersey was a win for both parties. While the southpaw developed his game to be a top limited-overs batsman, the Three Lions got a reliable batsman and a captain. At the moment, he is the highest run-scorer for England in both ODIs and T20Is and holds the distinction to have been the captain of the team that won England its first ODI World Cup.
2. Luke Ronchi – Australia and New Zealand
Luke Ronchi was born in New Zealand but migrated to Australia at an early age. He worked through various levels before falling in the eyes of the Australian selectors. However, until the first-choice wicket-keeper Brad Haddin got injured, Ronchi didn’t get the chance to represent Australia. He made his debut for Australia in 2008 and later played 4 ODIs for them. In 2012, the player revealed his intention to move to New Zealand.
Ronchi played for four years, between 2013 and 2017, for the Black Caps. He was part of the 2015 World Cup squad that reached the finals and then lost to Australia. In 2017, the player announced his retirement from the game.
3. Roelof van der Merwe – South Africa and Netherlands
Roelof van der Merwe is one of the cricketers to have played for two international teams in ODIs. Born in Johannesburg, the all-rounder was part of the 2004 U19 World Cup squad for the Proteas. In the senior squad, he was preferred in the T20 setup but also played in 13 ODIs.
In 2015, the former RCB cricketer secured a Dutch passport and became eligible to play for the Netherlands. However, it was only in 2019 that van der Merwe made his ODI debut for the Dutch.
4. Ed Joyce – England and Ireland
Ed Joyce started his career in England as a County cricketer. After impressing domestically, he earned a call-up to the national squad in 2006. He was also part of the 2007 50-over World Cup in the West Indies. However, after the event, he lost form and was overlooked by the selectors. Hence, he decided to move to Ireland.
Usually, it takes four years for a player to switch allegiances after representing a nation at the World Cup. However, ICC changed the rule, and Joyce was allowed to participate in the 2011 World Cup for Ireland. The left-handed cricketer played 61 ODIs for Ireland and was also part of the country’s first-ever Test match.
5. Kepler Wessels – Australia and South Africa
Kepler Wessels was born in South Africa but played cricket first for Australia. He was a fine server of the Australian Cricket Team and also represented them at the 1983 World Cup. However, in 1985, after having played 54 ODIs for the Aussies, Kepler announced his retirement.
In 1991, ICC removed the ban on South Africa and hence, they came into contention to play the 1992 World Cup. Already possessing experience, Kepler Wessels was chosen to lead the squad. The left-handed batsman represented the Proteas for a total of 55 ODIs.
