New Zealand add Ryder to Test squad

Troubled left-hander set to make return against India.

WELLINGTON: Jesse Ryder was on the verge of completing a remarkable return to cricket on Sunday when he was named on the fringe of the New Zealand squad for next month’s two Tests against India.

New Zealand have kept the same 12 players who won the second and third Tests against the West Indies last month, with Ryder added as cover for Ross Taylor whose wife is expecting their second child.

Ryder’s first step back into the international arena after a turbulent two years on the sidelines came last month, when he was named in the one-day side.

While New Zealand have kept the same frontline 12 Test players as a reward for how they have played, coach Mike Hesson said they realised India posed a much tougher prospect than West Indies.

“We were thrilled the way we played to beat the West Indies 2-0, but realise we’ll have to step it up another gear when playing India,” he said. “It’s an exciting challenge.”

Ryder, a self-confessed ‘bad boy’ who is regarded by many in New Zealand as a cult hero, went into a self-imposed exile 22 months ago to sort out personal issues following several alcohol-related incidents.

He also received a six-month ban last year after testing positive to a performance-enhancing drug found in weight-loss pills he was taking.

The rest of the squad includes players who dominated the West Indians in the three Test match series. Taylor was the star for the hosts scoring consistently through out the series, dominating the tourists with a top-class batting performance.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.