2 Mar 2012

Ryder retains NZ Cricket contract despite latest off field incident

2:38 pm on 2 March 2012

The New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has retained his New Zealand Cricket contract despite his latest off-field indiscretions which have led to a one-match international ban.

Ryder and all-rounder Doug Bracewell were both suspended for the final one-day match against South Africa in Auckland tomorrow after they breached team protocols by drinking while recovering from injury following their loss in the second one-day match in Napier.

Team manager Mike Sandle says Ryder who had been on a final warning after a series of alcohol-related incidents, had breached an internal team protocol but not the players' code of conduct.

Ryder has also been left out of the squad for the first test against South Africa starting in Dunedin on Wednesday but Sandle says that was because of form and not for discplinary reasons.

The 13 strong squad includes two uncapped players in Rob Nicol and Andrew Ellis who have been part of the Black Caps one day squad.