Cricket: Ryder returning home

Black Caps batsman Jesse Ryder has pulled out of the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka in the United States with an elbow injury.

Team manager Dave Currie said the injury had been troubling Ryder for a couple of weeks and the decision was made to send the opening batsman home for treatment.

Meanwhile, pace bowler Andy McKay has joined the squad in place of the retired Shane Bond.

Black Caps coach Mark Greatbatch said McKay's inclusion is a good chance for him to impress ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka.

"We brought Andy into the frame during the summer series against Bangladesh. He showed us some things we haven't had before with the left arm swinging it at good pace," Greatbatch said.

"It is a good opportunity for him to play against a sub-continent side (Sri Lanka) before we tour there later in the year."

- NZ HERALD STAFF