Adam Parore: Ryder fizzing after putting cork in bottle

Adam Parore

Jesse Ryder's double-century against India in Napier has crowned a wonderful second half to his season.

While he's not what might be termed a classical batting stylist, he has a style of his own and it is wonderful to watch.

He is also showing a very encouraging sign, one displayed by all the best test batsman, of cashing in while he's in a run of form and stringing together big scores.

What is most unusual for a New Zealand batter is that he has succeeded instantly in the short and long forms of the game.

I don't think it is any coincidence, though, that his game has gone up a good notch or two since he put a cork in the bottle. He also looks a bit fitter, to have fined down a bit, which no doubt is also a result of laying off the booze.

I think Ryder will find that his fitness will naturally improve if he stays off the grog.

His excellent form of late will be good for Ryder himself, because he will have shown himself that by controlling his drinking, or abstaining, he will reap the benefits in his cricketing career.

That in turn is returning major dividends for his team, and New Zealand now look to have a world-class batter in the No 5 position.

Ryder reminds me a bit of the great Adam Gilchrist in that he limits his footwork and thus operates off a very strong base.

No doubt opposing sides will now put extra work into analysing Ryder's game and devising ways of piercing his technique.

They'll come up with something, for sure, and it will be interesting to see what emerges and how Ryder responds.

It has been a tremendous two days for the Black Caps, but they still face a tough task of dismissing India twice on the beautiful batting surface in Napier.

It goes without saying that they will need to hold all their catches to give themselves a chance. In my playing days we had a motto that if we could hang on to every catch, no matter how we bowled or batted, we should be in the hunt in the final session.

New Zealand's fielding may be a bit down on previous years, but this can be cyclical.

A few outstanding fielders make an enormous difference, but players are selected for their bowling and batting, not fielding.

Of the current squad, Martin Guptill is highly regarded, but we lack a Chris Harris or Lou Vincent for now.

So it can come down to a bit of luck whether you have that core of great fielders in your squad.

Fielding is also something that can be worked on once players get into the international side. Remember most of them are really semi-professionals before they make the Black Caps.

Although it will be up to Daniel Vettori to leading the bowling assault, I can't see one player running through the Indians.

If New Zealand are to win, the load will have to be shared and the wickets spread around.

The odds are probably on a drawn test, but one good spell with the ball could turn it New Zealand's way.