Any assertions that Jesse Ryder doesn't want to play for his country are not true, according to Otago Volts coach Dimitri Mascarenhas.
"It's completely false. He wants to play for New Zealand," Mascarenhas said amid media speculation the former Hawke's Bay cricketer has lost his appetite for the Black Caps.
The 30-year-old has plied his trade for Essex in the second division of county cricket in England.
Some cricket commentators believe he has gone off the national team after falling out with New Zealand Cricket and ex-teammates following yet another drinking episode with CD Stag Doug Bracewell last February.
Bracewell has changed his attitude and lifestyle to win his berth back in the test side but there's debate on whether NZ Cricket's problem child, Ryder, should be enticed back into coach Mike Hesson's equation.