Cricket: Ryder pulls out of NZ A tour

Jesse Ryder has withdrawn from the New Zealand A squad to tour the United Arab Emirates, citing personal reasons.

The troubled batsman has cited personal reasons for his pulling out of the trip designed to help select New Zealand's squad for the World Cup starting in February.

The Otago lefthander missed a flight north to Christchurch for a Georgie Pie Super Smash T20 game at the weekend.

New Zealand Cricket's selection manager Bruce Edgar says Ryder made the decision after meeting with Otago officials in Dunedin this morning.

"NZC respects Jesse's decision and is currently considering options for a replacement," said Edgar.

Ryder missed Otago Volts' T20 match with Canterbury Kings yesterday.

Ryder was taking part at Otago Cricket's golf day on Friday and did not arrive at the airport for the team's flight to Christchurch on Saturday.

Sources told the Herald that the team still wanted Ryder to join them in Christchurch for the match but he was having "relationship issues" and chose to withdraw.

Otago Cricket confirmed Ryder withdrew from the match for "personal reasons".

Ryder had been picked for the New Zealand 'A' team, which was to leave for the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday. The first game, against the UAE, starts on Sunday in Dubai.

"Jesse withdrew from today's game due to personal reasons and we're respecting that. If there are some concerns or issues, we'll work through those with him," Otago Cricket CEO Ross Dykes said.

Ryder, out of favour with New Zealand Cricket since being dumped from the test squad over a late night drinking incident last February, had been included in the NZ A squad with a view to considering him for the World Cup, provided his form was strong and his off-field behaviour scrubbed up to required standards.

While his batting talent is not in dispute it is more about how he handled himself in the UAE.

Ryder had scored 116 runs in five T20 games for Otago this season.

In 48 ODIs, Ryder has averaged 33.21, which for all his ability is a useful, if not overpowering statistic.

The UAE trip was to be Ryder's opportunity to push his cup claims.

New Zealand have five ODIs against Pakistan to come after their three-test series, which continues with the second match in Dubai starting tonight.

Ryder's decision now means if he is to make the World Cup squad, it will be on the basis of his domestic form for Otago as they squad will be picked before New Zealand begin a seven-game ODI series against Sri Lanka in mid-January.

Ryder's role in the World Cup has been hotly debated given is outstanding form for Essex and Otago of late.

Shane Warne told the Otago Daily Times on Saturday that: "If New Zealand are going to win the World Cup, Jesse Ryder has to be part of it, for sure".
New Zealand's final 15-man World Cup squad will be named on January 8.