Former New Zealand opener Jesse Ryder is all set to pick up the bat for his country again albeit in an unfamiliar territory. According to stuff.co.nz, the hard-hitting left-handed batsman has been named in New Zealand’s 12-man squad to represent the Kiwis in the Indoor Cricket World Cup to be played in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 16-23.
The 32-year-old left-handed batsman has not played international cricket since January 31, 2014, after he visited a bar along with all-rounder Doug Bracewell on the eve of the Auckland Test against India.
That was the start of several alcohol-related discipline issues Ryder had while he was a regular in the playing eleven for the Black Caps and it ultimately cost him his place in the team. So far, he has represented New Zealand in 18 Tests, 48 ODIs and 22 T20Is at the moment. He has scored 1269 and 1362 runs in Tests and ODIs, respectively in addition to scoring 457 runs in 22 T20Is.
He also managed to pick up 19 international wickets with his medium right-arm pace bowling.
The top-order batsman, who had played domestic cricket for Central Districts last year, will look to inspire New Zealand to go one step ahead in the upcoming edition of the tournament. In the last edition in 2014, New Zealand had lost against Australia in the final.
Follow the NZ Indoor Cricket team as we prep for World Cup in Dubai. Jump on and like the page if you are keen. https://t.co/wchaorJBPd
— Jesse Ryder (@DijaRyder) July 4, 2017
India will also participate in the seven-day tournament that will be played in Dubai’s Insportz Club.
“The event will attract approximately 400 players and officials and will be held over 7 days of competition from 16-23 September 2017, in Dubai’s newly renovated Insportz Club. It will bring together the indoor cricketing talent from nations including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE,” stated an official release from World Indoor Cricket Federation Ltd.