But his century for Wellington in a first-class match against Otago at the Basin Reserve yesterday bodes well for his future and the Black Caps' prospects in the Twenty/20 World Cup which starts late next month in the West Indies.
The stocky left-hander pounded 12 fours and three sixes on a batter-friendly surface to help put his side in a commanding position at 328 for six at stumps on day one.
It was Ryder's eighth first-class 100 and he showed no signs of the abdominal complaint for which he needed surgery.
Shortly after reaching the milestone, he nicked a delivery from Sam Wells through to the 'keeper to end his innings.
Black Caps all-rounder James Franklin also had a good day but was cut three runs short of a 50, as was Cameron Merchant.
Having won the toss and electing to field, the Otago attack found the going tough.
Strike bowler Neil Wagner bowled tightly without success and Mat Harvie had his moments, picking up two wickets, including Franklin.
But Wells was the pick of the bowlers.
The University-Grange all-rounder missed the last match because of a strained hamstring, but returned to take two for 39 from 13 overs.
Off-spinner Nathan McCullum got through a lot of work, bowling 20 overs.
Luke Woodcock will resume today undefeated on 44.
Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Chris Nevin is at the wicket with him on 11.
Both sides are out of the running for the Plunket Shield.
A three-wicket burst by Central Districts bowler Michael Mason has Northern Districts on the back foot in Napier as it searches for the first innings points it needs to claim the Plunket Shield.
At stumps on the first day, Northern was 75 for four in its first innings after bowling Central Districts out for 217.
Mason had figures of three for 23 off 8.1 overs as he removed Northern openers Michael Parlane for six, Daniel Flynn for one and Hamish Marshall for 27.
However, it was Ben Wheeler, playing his second first-class match, who got the key wicket of fellow 19-year-old Kane Williamson for 26.
Bottom-of-the-table Auckland is poised to secure first-innings points in its match against Canterbury at Colin Maiden Park in Auckland, meaning second-placed Canterbury will not be able to overtake Northern Districts, which went into the final round yesterday with an eight-point lead.
After removing Canterbury for 203 three balls into the 50th over, Auckland ended yesterday on 185 for four.
