27 Sep 2014

Ryder's Black Cap return still a long way off

3:04 pm on 27 September 2014

The former Black Cap Jesse Ryder is starring in the English County game, but any return to the national side is still a long way off.

New Zealand Cricket coach Mike Hesson tried to talk to Jesse Ryder about his international future before he left to play for Essex but Ryder didn't return his calls.

Ryder has signed a two-year contract extension with Essex, saying the county gave him a lifeline this winter when he had made himself available for New Zealand A but was unwanted.

New Zealand Cricket says Ryder wasn't selected for the New Zealand A tour of England as it needs to see on-going improvement in his off field behaviour.

Hesson says he tried to speak to Ryder before he departed for Essex but Ryder never got back to him.

Ryder's had several off-field alcohol issues in his career, the latest being in February when he went out drinking with Black Caps team-mate Doug Bracewell on the eve of a Test against India in Auckland.

When New Zealand won the Test and captain Brendon McCullum scored a double century, it was Ryder and Bracewell's antics that garnered the headlines.

That was the last straw as far as the team was concerned and New Zealand Cricket now wants to see a lengthy track record of good behaviour from Ryder before he's considered for national honours again.

New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder

New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Ryder has been a key component of the Essex side across all forms of the game, and he was awarded a County Cap during their current four-day game against Worcestershire.

Ryder has scored 1,196 runs across all three formats to date.

His bowling has been a revelation, with four five-wicket hauls, and he is the county's leading County Championship wicket taker, with 44 dismissals at 17.79.

Essex coach Paul Grayson says they're all delighted that Ryder has extended his stay with the club and this is a really important signing.