The talented left-hander made a triumphant return to cricket late last month when he scored 117 on debut for Otago.
The excitement, though, started the night before. He was undefeated on 48 at stumps on day one and that was enough for the drums to start beating.
The 29-year-old has been open about his desire to return to the national side but told the Otago Daily Times yesterday he needs more time in the middle.
''I've only played two games and I have to get a lot more cricket under my belt before they can even start looking at me,'' Ryder said.
''If I hadn't had enough cricket beforehand, then I'd probably be a bit silly to rush back in there. Hopefully, if I continue scoring runs, it won't be too far off.''
Ryder missed out in Otago's opening twenty20 fixture but he was pleased with how he batted in the first-class game.
''I can't complain,'' he said about his century.
''I'm happy with the way I batted as well. I was a lot more patient and went about my innings pretty well.
''My footwork was a bit scratchy at the start but concentration-wise I was real happy. I haven't batted like that in a long time, so it was good to knuckle down and bat properly for a change.''
Ryder took a break from international cricket last summer. His love for the game had waned, but recent events have helped him clarify just how much cricket means to him.
Ryder was assaulted outside a Christchurch bar in March and sustained a serious head injury.
While he was recovering, he discovered he had tested positive for a banned substance, which was not listed in the ingredients in a weight loss supplement he had taken, and was banned for six months.
The thought he might be banned for two years or never be well enough to play cricket again reignited his passion for the sport.
The punishing opener is expected to be in action on Friday and Saturday when Otago hosts Canterbury and Northern Districts in back-to-back twenty20 fixtures under temporary lights at the University Oval.
The same lights were used when Canterbury hosted Otago at Hagley Oval on Saturday.
''Personally, I wasn't a big fan,'' Ryder responded when asked how bright the light was at the venue.
''It was quite hard to see for the guys out on boundary. It was hard to pick up the high catches.
''I think it was too dark around the ground as well. It was pitch black everywhere. I don't think that helped either.''
''This ground is a bit smaller, so hopefully the lights' effect on it will be a lot better. I guess we'll find out.''
