Ryder’s antics could leave Black Caps in the drink
AUCKLAND: Jesse Ryder may finally have pushed the New Zealand Cricket management to the point of no return with his latest involvement in an alcohol-related incident in Napier on Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old Ryder is a precocious talent, but is also his own worst enemy. The lefthanded batsman found himself in deep trouble yet again after breaking an alcohol ban following the second one-day international against South Africa at Mclean Park on Wednesday. He had earlier scored a second-ball duck.
But Ryder was not alone in overstepping the line on this occasion. Teammate Doug Bracewell was also reprimanded for “unacceptable behaviour” as they were both injured and, under the team protocol, were not allowed the intake of alcohol.
Bracewell, 21, was being treated for a tight hamstring and did not play in Napier, while Ryder split the webbing of his hand during the match.
In a statement, NZC said the players had “compromised their preparation” for the third one-dayer in Auckland tomorrow with their action. “Team protocols dictate that players who are rehabilitating from injury should not consume alcohol, and unfortunately both players went to a Napier hotel following the conclusion of the match,” according to the board.
The duo compounded matters when they were involved in an argument with a member of the public at the hotel where they were drinking. “Further to the issue of breaking team protocols related to their preparation, we are disappointed that (Ryder and Bracewell) became involved in a verbal argument with a patron,” New Zealand team manager Mike Sandle said.
“Despite the fact that the players were goaded and they didn’t allow the situation to escalate past a short exchange of words, we expect our players to walk away. Both have apologised for their actions and said they fully understood the consequences.”
This sort of off-the-field shenanigans is the last thing New Zealand need right now. The Proteas have placed them under severe pressure by winning the last four limited-overs games (Twenty20 and one-dayers) in succession.
That saw AB de Villiers’s team clinching the T20 and ODI series titles, leaving the Black Caps with only pride to play for in tomorrow night’s dead rubber at Eden Park.
Ryder and Bracewell’s behaviour will have an effect on that game as both have been slapped with a one-match ban and will sit out the final one-dayer. Ryder’s punishment could extend further as he is now unlikely to be named in the Black Caps’ Test squad for the three-match series against the South Africans.
In the midst of the doom and gloom hovering over the New Zealand camp at present, opener Martin Guptill still put on a brave face yesterday when he addressed the media. Guptill, who has been one of the few shining lights for the Kiwis since the Proteas’ arrival, said he had not lost hope that his side could still close the gap on their visitors.
“We showed in that first Twenty20 in Wellington we can make that step up,” he said. “The last four games haven’t gone our way, but if we can get back into the frame of mind we had in that Twenty20 in Wellington, then I think we’re going to put up a better fight in the next few games.”
In stark contrast, South Africa are a settled unit who are quietly going about their business. The Proteas’ only injury worry remains opener Graeme Smith, and a call will be made on his fitness today.
The Proteas are also likely to give their “bench players” a chance to stretch their legs at Eden Park. Johan Botha will possibly replace Robin Peterson, and Wayne Parnell could get a run for only the second time on tour before heading home tomorrow evening.
SQUADS FOR EDEN PARK South Africa: Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (capt), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Albie Morkel, Johan Botha, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Morné Morkel, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell. New Zealand: Brendon Mccullum (capt), Michael Bates, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Nathan Mccullum, Andrew Mckay, Kyle Mills, Tarun Nethula, Rob Nicol, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson. Start: Tomorrow 3am (SA time). TV: SS2. Radio: Radio 2000.