Cricket: Injured Ryder big loss for T20 opener

Jesse Ryder is out injured before the first round match for CD Stags on Sunday. PHOTO/FILE

The Central Districts Stags will play no fewer than five games in the next four weeks in New Plymouth.

The William Young-captained Stags host Canterbury Kings at the picturesque Pukekura Parek from 2pm on Sunday to begin their McDonald's Super Smash twenty20 campaign.

Coming off mixed fortunes in the first-class, red-ball Plunket Shield competition, Central Districts have renewed energy and belief, something coach Heinrich Malan encourages.

"It's an exciting time of the year for us and while the boys are fired up at the prospect of playing T20 cricket, there is a calmness around the squad, which I have to attribute to their collective experience playing this format," Malan said.

"T20 cricket revolves around momentum but we are determined to take this game by game. If we can execute our game plan well and get a result, it'll allow for a solid platform to grow from."

The rubberstamp-sized Pukekura Park has delivered some notable success for the team.

Said homeboy Young: "New Plymouth has become the Stags white-ball cricket home over the last few seasons and we can't wait to get out and play in front of our home Taranaki crowd."
The skipper said his squad had the goods to deliver a memorable campaign to their fans.

"With Doug [Bracewell] returning from the Black Caps, he adds a wealth of experience and X-factor with bat and ball. The rest of the boys have excelled in the shorter format and as a group we believe we have the experience to go the distance in this competition", Young said.

While batsman George Worker, who has recovered from injury, kick starts his summer with Josh Clarkson, conspicuous in his absence is injured Jesse Ryder.

Seamer Andrew Mathieson and speed merchant Adam Milne also are injured.

CD chief executive Pete de Wet urged Stags fans to turn out.

"It's a time of year when families get to spend quality time together and T20 cricket is the perfect answer to quality family entertainment," De Wet said.

"Pukekura Park is a special place to watch cricket and I would urge all our loyal fans in New Plymouth to get down to the ground on Sunday and get behind the Stags."