Jesse Ryder will play for Wellington in their first round Plunket Shield cricket match against Central Districts in Napier on Sunday.

The big-hitting batsman has taken a self-imposed break from the international game since February but has been contracted by Wellington, and New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has enquired about his progress.

In recent times it has been very good. He smacked two centuries in four days for Wellington in warm-up matches recently and is also back bowling medium pacers.

New Zealand pace bowler Mark Gillespie has also been included in the Wellington squad this weekend as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury.

Wellington squad for the opening Plunket Shield cricket match against Central Districts at Nelson Park, Napier, from Sunday: Stephen Murdoch (c), Michael Papps, Mike Pollard, Jesse Ryder, Grant Elliott, Luke Woodcock, Luke Ronchi, Jeetan Patel, Andy McKay, Mark Gillespie, Scott Kuggeleign, Dane Hutchinson.

- APNZ