WELLINGTON, (Reuters) – Jesse Ryder’s latest off-field indiscretion has predictably cost him a place in New Zealand’s squad for the World Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh next month.
Ryder, 29, was dropped from New Zealand’s squad for the second test against India at the Basin Reserve after being involved in a late-night drinking session on the eve of the first test in Auckland.
That indiscretion also counted against his inclusion in the World Twenty20 squad, national selection manager Bruce Edgar told reporters at the Basin Reserve yesterday.
“It certainly created a gap for us,” Edgar said, naming the side for the tournament that starts on March 16.
“Mike (Hesson) and I certainly weren’t happy with his preparation and therefore we have had to exclude him.
“Character is really important and if we feel … it does not stack up we will not select a player.”
Edgar said Ryder’s future selection, particularly for New Zealand’s tour of West Indies in May, would depend on the player himself.
“It’s really up to Jesse to work through the process with New Zealand Cricket, the players’ association and Otago Cricket,” he added. “Until that time I can’t really answer that. It’s up to Jesse.”
Top order batsman Kane Williamson, who has not played an international Twenty20 match since 2012, has been named in the team and would be considered one of the candidates to open the innings instead of Ryder, Edgar said.
