HAMILTON: Jesse Ryder stunned New Zealand Cricket's (NZC)
brains trust by bowling in a club match on Saturday, but
captain Daniel Vettori remains guarded about a shock return
for this month's test series against Australia.
Ryder (25) turned out for his Wellington club Naenae Old Boys
against Karori and scored 11 with the bat, then took the ball
and conceded 10 runs off 11 overs of medium pace.
It seemed the gifted Wellington batsman went against the
wishes of medical staff, which left Vettori with mixed
feelings.
"He bowled 10 more [overs] than we hoped for," Vettori said
with a grin yesterday.
"I think he was there to bat and bat only, but it went a
little further.
"In some ways it's a good thing, it means he's feeling good
about himself and he wants to get into it."
But Vettori was not about to talk up the chances of Ryder
being rushed back for the two-test series, starting in
Wellington on March 19.
First, Ryder has to be picked for his Wellington province,
then get through at least one Plunket Shield four-day match.
Wellington's next game starts against Central Districts in
Napier on Friday, before it plays Canterbury, starting on
March 20.
It means the first test is likely a bridge too far for Ryder,
but he could come into contention for the second test
starting in Hamilton on March 27 if he came through for
Wellington with flying colours.
Said Vettori: "He has to make the Wellington team first.
"That's his first port of call.
"I know they were targeting March 29 as his first-class
return.
Whether that changes or not through his increased performance
and fitness, I'd never say never to anything, but we'll have
to wait and see how he progresses."
Ryder had surgery last month to reinforce his abdominal wall,
after a long layoff.
He has not played for New Zealand since suffering the injury
at the Champions Trophy in South Africa last September.
If the powerful left-hander proved his fitness he would
undoubtedly be welcomed back, with a test average of 49.88
from just 11 matches.
He also averages 35.38 from 21 one-day internationals.
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