The expected naming of Jesse Ryder in the New Zealand 'A' squad to play against World Cup qualifiers the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan and Ireland (twice) from November 23 to December 1 will be a chance for him to demonstrate form off the field as much as on it.
Ryder's performances for Otago, last summer, and English county Essex, this winter, have been excellent, particularly with the resurgence in his bowling. That form shows little sign of abating, judging by his initial outings for Otago this season.
However, he is a recidivist offender for breaking team protocol and the wave of populism surrounding his potential return to international cricket must be tempered.
Even if Ryder is in form, how much is team spirit threatened by his propensity to break rank? How much genuine respect is left for him in the dressing room? Could he play through the Australian Big Bash League with the Melbourne Renegades which, in mid-to-late January, runs concurrently with New Zealand's final preparations for the World Cup against Sri Lanka?
The New Zealand 'A' tour is a useful forum to give Ryder the opportunity to return but he'd need to prove his credentials as a team player, willing to endure the discipline required for the 'A' side to succeed, rather than simply producing runs or wickets. Sure, Ryder apologists argue he's a match-winner - and he is - but the likes of Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tim Southee would supersede him among the New Zealand incumbents for such an honour before team men cushion the areas around those pedestals.
