Jesse Ryder stunned New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) brains trust by bowling in a club match on Saturday, but captain Daniel Vettori remains guarded about a shock return for this month's test series against Australia.
Ryder, 25, turned out for his Wellington club Naenae Old Boys against Karori and scored 11
with the bat, then grabbed the ball and conceded 10 runs off 11 overs of medium pace.
It seemed the gifted Wellington batsman went against the wishes of medical staff, which left Vettori with mixed feelings.
"He bowled 10 more (overs) than we hoped for," Vettori said with a grin today.
"I think he was there to bat and bat only, but it went a little further. In some ways it's a good thing, it means he's feeling good about himself and he wants to get into it."
But Vettori wasn't about to talk up the chances of Ryder being rushed back for the two-test series, starting in Wellington on March 19.
First, Ryder has to be picked for his Wellington province, then get through at least one Plunket Shield four-day match. Their next game starts against Central Districts in Napier on Friday, before they play Canterbury starting on March 20.
It means the first test is likely a bridge too far for Ryder, but he could loom into contention for the second test starting in Hamilton on March 27 if he came through for Wellington with flying colours.
Said Vettori: "He has to make the Wellington team first. That's his first port of call.
"I know they were targeting March 29 as his first-class return. Whether that changes or not through his increased performance and fitness, I'd never say never to anything but we'll have to wait and see how he progresses."
Ryder had surgery last month to reinforce his abdominal wall after a long layoff.
He hasn't played for New Zealand since suffering the injury at the Champions Trophy in South Africa last September.
If the powerful left-hander proved his fitness he would undoubtedly be welcomed back, with a test average of 49.88 from just 11 matches. He also averages 35.38 from 21 one-day internationals.
- NZPA
