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CANBERRA - New Zealand opener Jesse Ryder has been cleared of a serious shoulder injury and is hoped to be available for the second Chappell-Hadlee Trophy cricket match in Melbourne next Friday.
An MRI scan on Ryder's left shoulder today revealed inflammation of the joint, but no significant injury.
It is still enough to sideline him from Sunday's series opener against Australia in Perth.
Team manager Lindsay Crocker said Ryder received a cortisone injection to reduce the pain and swelling, and would remain with the side.
"The doctor said it would take one week for the pain and symptoms to fully subside, which hopefully should make him available for the second match in Melbourne," Crocker said.
Ryder suffered the injury at training yesterday, which ruled him out of today's tour opener against the Prime Minister's 11 here.
Otago batsman Craig Cumming would still join the side in Perth tomorrow, Crocker said, and remain until after the Melbourne match at least.
Wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins will join Cumming on the flight as cover for Brendon McCullum who suffered a minor hip injury yesterday but still played today.
Hopkins' involvement would be reviewed after the Perth match, depending on McCullum's ability to fully keep wicket.
- NZPA
