Jesse Ryder's international career appears all but over, having told New Zealand Cricket he no longer wants to play for the Black Caps.
The former Black Caps now Otago batsman Jesse Ryder. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Ryder's name wasn't among the preliminary 30 strong Black Caps World Cup squad, and Radio New Zealand understands the 30-year-old has made it clear to New Zealand Cricket that he doesn't want to play at international level.
Ryder, who's played 18 Tests and 48 one dayers, last appeared for the Black Caps in a one dayer against India in January.
But he's come to the realisation he doesn't cope well with the pressure and intensity that comes with playing on the international stage.
Radio New Zealand has been told his recent stint with English county side Essex has shown him he's more comfortable being the big fish in a small pond and where the off-field standards required aren't as high as those needed in the Black Caps environment.
He can make a good living playing county cricket in England and domestically in New Zealand, along with appearances at Twenty20 leagues in India and Australia.
Withdrawing from the New Zealand 'A' tour to the United Arab Emirates where the national selectors had wanted to get a gauge on his readiness for a return to international cricket has shown them - and finally Ryder - that despite his undeniable talent, international cricket is not for him.
