Cricket: Lifeline for Ryder unlikely

Jesse Ryder averaged 92.25 for Essex in six one-dayers.

Those clinging on in anticipation of a dramatic late World Cup recall for Jesse Ryder this summer will be out of luck.

The door is not quite shut on the recalcitrant, but gifted, lefthand batsman for the ODI jamboree in New Zealand and Australia. However it's only fractionally ajar.

While Doug Bracewell, Ryder's partner in late-night shenanigans last season, won a recall to the New Zealand A side for the just-completed tour to Britain, there's no sign of similar treatment for Ryder.

"We've made clear our expectations and he's well aware of them," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said yesterday of Ryder.

Of the pair, banished from the national squad after an early-morning drinking session hours before the start of the first test against India in Auckland last February, Hesson said: "One player has run with it and made significant changes. The other less so."

Strictly speaking, Ryder, 30, is New Zealand's incumbent ODI opener, courtesy of his role during the Indian tour. Although he had a poor return there, 94 runs from five innings.

He has spent the New Zealand winter playing for Essex. In six one-day innings Ryder has hit a team high 369 runs at 92.25. His 48 ODIs have produced an average of 33, three centuries and folk-hero status. The final squad of 15 will be named on January 8.

"We haven't confirmed our whole squad yet, but players we will select would have to be seen to be putting the team first," Hesson said.

He indicated that three-quarters of the 15 players to be named for the tournament had been pencilled in.