After dropped Jesse Ryder from the squad for the second Test against India, which is currently taking place in Wellington, the Black Caps national selectors have left the troubled batsman out of the squad for the World Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh next month.
The talented 29 year old Ryder, has a history of disciplinary problems and personal issues, that have blighted his career, and his most recent run in with authority, which led to his being omitted from the squad for the second Test, was as the result of going on a late night drinking binge prior to the first Test of the series.
The national selection manager announced that neither he, nor the team’s coach, Mike Hesson, were happy with the players preparation, and as a result had decided that Ryder should be left out of the squad for Bangladesh. The player’s omission has handed a chance to Kane Williamson, who although a Test and ODI regular, has not been selected for a T20 international since the last World Twenty20 event, which took place back in September 2012, who can also offer some part time off-spin as an addition to the bowling options.
Ryder’s indiscretions go back to May 2007, when he was sacked as Ireland’s overseas player, when he failed to turn up for a match. However, early the following year, he found himself selected for New Zealand, but even before he made his debut, he was accused of being too fat to play for his country by the former Test keeper, Adam Parore. He then missed back to back Tests against England, after he severed a tendon in his arm, breaking into a locked toilet in a bar.
More drinking indiscretions have followed regularly. In January 2009 Ryder was dropped for an ODI in the Caribbean, after he missed a team meeting, and was unable to train after he had been involved in a late night drinking binge. August 2010 saw another fine, after he was found guilty of being intoxicated and rowdy at a hotel, when taking part in an indoor cricket tournament.
After leaving a Christchurch Bar in March 2013, Ryder was assaulted, and had to be placed in a medically induced coma, after he suffered a fractured skull and severe internal injuries. Even then, Ryder’s troubles weren’t at an end, as after recovering, he had to serve a six month ban for taking banned stimulants, which were said to be to aid weight loss.
It must be wondered, if Ryder has had his last chance?