Jesse Ryder considering a return to international cricket

New Zealand’s explosive batsman, Jesse Ryder, is finally ready to make a comeback, and is considering a return to international cricket. After having opted for an indefinite break early last year, to address his fitness and personal issues, he is finally known to be ready to make a return.

Ryder said that he would meet with Head Coach, Mike Hesson, in the last week of January to discuss his future and his chances of making the team for New Zealand’s Test series against England next month. “I’m definitely not ruled out for a return for England,” he said.

Since his break last year, Ryder has scored 558 runs at an average of 69.75 and 508 runs at an average of 63 in first-class cricket and domestic Twenty20, respectively. Will he be the reviving force for New Zealand cricket following their disastrous runs in recent times?

New Zealand Cricket’s Director, John Buchanan, said that their poor form would only make it harder for the Kiwis to find opponents given their dismal 8^th rank out of 9 Test-playing nations. The poor run would also mean NZ being awarded lesser Tests than the currently meagre number that they are being awarded already.

“Certainly, performances such as this (in South Africa) and what we have experienced in recent times are not going to enhance our reputation as a test-playing nation,” he said.

“Any major changes to be made (to the future tours program) require a vote at the ICC and I would suspect that’s not going to change too much. But I would suspect our capacity to play longer test series or longer tours, in other words more games, is somewhat impacted.”

Ryder’s inclusion would only add strength to NZ’s fragile top order. His time off, he believes, has helped him improve his technique and consistency over the period of time. He wants to make a comeback in all formats of the game.

“I think I’ll be fine. I’ve had a good 11 months off working through a lot of stuff regarding that sort of stuff,” he said.