12 Nov 2010

Ryder will only bat in second test

6:15 am on 12 November 2010

Jesse Ryder is likely to play only as a batsman in the second cricket Test against India in Hyderabad today.

Ryder is still recovering from a calf injury that prevented him from bowling in India's second innings in the drawn first test.

New Zealand played only four frontline bowlers in the first Test - Chris Martin, Hamish Bennett, Jeetan Patel and Daniel Vettori... however Bennett injured his groin in the first innings.... Ryder picked up a wicket in India's first innings.

James Franklin was brought in as Bennett's replacement, but the Black Caps are also likely to add another opening bowler either Tim Southee or Andy McKay.

If Franklin plays, one of the top order batsmen or spinner Jeetan Patel may be dropped.

That's the dilemma for captain Dan Vettori who says the main issue in India is taking 20 wickets.