Andrew Alderson: Ryder needs first class pass ahead of tests

Jesse Ryder. Photo / Getty Images

At face value, a test batting average of 40.93 suggests a fit Jesse Ryder would be an automatic selection for next month's South Africa tests.

However, given his lack of recent first class cricket, it is hard to argue he has done enough to oust either Dean Brownlie or Kane Williamson for a spot.

Ryder's average ranks him among the New Zealand batting greats. Of the nine players to average over 40 with a minimum of 20 innings, he is seventh, ahead of Bert Sutcliffe (40.10) and Stephen Fleming (40.06) - but statistics can be deceiving. Since January 2011, Ryder has played eight test innings to average just 12.13.

Presuming captain Ross Taylor is guaranteed a spot at four and Daniel Vettori six in the order, Ryder's chief rivals for the No 3 or No 5 spots are Williamson and Brownlie.

Williamson averages 25.45 in 11 innings during that same period while Brownlie, in seven innings since debuting against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, averages 44.66.

Ryder's case is assisted by pedigree, the offer of variety as the only potential left-hander in the top five, and the backing of coach John Wright who recognises the quality of his batsmanship. That batting class returned last week in the one-dayer between Wellington and Otago at Queen's Park in Invercargill. Ryder coasted to 96 off 67 balls, leading the visitors to a 25-run victory.

It backed up his 40 not out off 17 balls, including five sixes, to take Naenae Old Boys to victory over Upper Hutt in Wellington club cricket last weekend. The downsides to Ryder's return at test level are his regular injuries, cricket's ban on the use of runners (which he has used in the past) and his current limitations at the bowling crease, which, even if available, would be negated by the rotation of four pace bowlers in the test first XI at present.

In contrast the causes of Williamson and Brownlie are helped by superior fitness and slick fielding. Brownlie has immediately stepped up in tests; his anchoring three of New Zealand's four innings against Australia has been of particular note. Anyone who saw the crisp 26 Williamson made for the New Zealand XI against Zimbabwe in Gisborne would acknowledge another test century cannot be too far away.

Two solutions seem the most viable. The first would see Ryder picked only for the limited overs matches against South Africa, allowing him to return to play for Wellington in the final three Plunket Shield games, starting on March 9. New Zealand could then get value from his big hitting at the top order against the Proteas.

Alternatively coach Wright could play a long game. Ryder could initially play first-class cricket to prove he has rebuilt the stamina to last in the test game. If Wright sees Ryder as an integral part of his test side to face the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel then he could be omitted from any New Zealand limited overs matches.

He should be allowed to concentrate on batting sessions rather than strike rates by playing the next three Plunket Shield games, starting on February 17.

If New Zealand is serious about climbing up the test rankings ladder then the latter solution should be the preference, given they are down to play further tests in the West Indies, India, Sri Lanka and South Africa later this year.

Ryder should be given every opportunity to build a portfolio of first-class runs and first-class fitness rather than being thrust into 'hit and giggle' matches of less long-term value.