Troubled batsman Jesse Ryder (in pic) will return to international cricket following a self-imposed two-year exile after being named Thursday in the New Zealand squad for the first two of five one-day games against the West Indies.
Ryder last played for New Zealand in a one-dayer against South Africa in February 2012 after which he was censured for breaking team rules by drinking alcohol while injured. He then made himself unavailable for New Zealand while he tackled fitness and personal issues. During that absence, Ryder served a six-month suspension after testing positive to two banned substances contained in a generic weight-loss medicine. He was also the victim of a near fatal assault which left him in a coma with head and lung injuries.
Ryder’s recall has been hastened by his strong form in New Zealand’s domestic competitions, scoring more than 500 runs at an average of 64 with two centuries and two half centuries for Otago province this season. “I set the goal to make it back earlier this year and it is a great end to a tough year for me,” Ryder said. “I’m more motivated than ever to perform for (New Zealand).”
New Zealand selection manager Bruce Edgar said “Jesse gives us added firepower at the top of the order and he has a proven international record.” Opening batsman Martin Guptill has also been recalled to the 13-man New Zealand squad after missing New Zealand’s recent series against Bangladesh and Sri lanka because of injury.
Squad
Brendon McCullum (captain), Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, James Neesham, luke Ronchi, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne.