No risks as Jesse Ryder's recovery proves slow

BY SAM WORTHINGTON

Any hopes Jesse Ryder had of playing in the second test against Australia have been dashed, with the powerful left-handed batsman ruled out of Wellington's Plunket Shield match against Canterbury tomorrow.

After two weeks of club cricket and extensive time in the nets, hopes were high Ryder would step up his comeback by playing the four-dayer in Rangiora.

But Wellington coach Anthony Stuart said it was important no risks were taken, given that the Twenty20 World Cup in May is the long-term goal.

Ryder underwent surgery last month to reinforce his abdominal wall.

"We don't believe he's ready for four-day cricket," Stuart said.

"There's some parameters around his return, what he needs to do to make sure he's right before he's available to play, and we haven't quite got there yet.

"We're just erring on the side of caution and we don't want to rush things with him. We'll just make sure he's 100 per cent fit before he plays."

Batting itself wasn't a problem for Ryder, but there were concerns over his ability to withstand the rigours of fielding and running between the wickets over four days.

"There is a fitness test component of it, but there's a fielding component as well," Stuart said.

"He's only had a couple of club days in six months. We don't want to rush him back and cause any further injury."

Wellington's final Plunket Shield match against Otago starts on March 29 and Stuart said Ryder was keen to play in that game.

"It has been a long time coming and since his operation, the recovery on that has been good. I think he feels good within himself and he's keen to get back in the Black Caps side."

Ryder will settle for playing club cricket for Naenae Old Boys tomorrow.

"He's been batting at every session we've had and I think he's keen to get the pads on and play." Stuart said.

Already injury ravaged, Wellington have made three changes to the side which lost to Central Districts by seven wickets on Monday.

Out go Matthew Bell (broken finger), Michael Burns (broken ribs) and Jeetan Patel (Black Caps), with James Franklin, Stewart Rhodes and Joe Austin-Smellie the inclusions.

Stuart said if Patel was not required for today's test he would remain in Wellington to work with Australian spin coach Ashley Mallett.

HOW THEY LINE UP

Wellington (from): Neal Parlane (c), Stephen Murdoch, Cameron Merchant, James Franklin, Luke Woodcock, Michael Pollard, Stewart Rhodes, Chris Nevin, Joe Austin-Smellie, Andrew Lamb, Malaesaili Tugaga, Robbie Schaw.

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