Cricket: Ryder won't rule out return for England

Jesse Ryder will have a meeting to discuss a possible return to the Black Caps. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Jesse Ryder says he will meet New Zealand coach Mike Hesson at the end of the month to discuss a possible return to the side for the upcoming England tour.

Ryder hasn't played on the international scene since last February's second ODI against South Africa in Napier but said he couldn't be ruled out of a return this summer.

He's been in fine form for the Wellington Firebirds this season, having led them to tomorrow's HRV Cup minor-final against Auckland while also amassing 558 runs in nine Plunket Shield innings, including three centuries.

He told LiveSport yesterday that he will meet Hesson following New Zealand's tour of South Africa.

"There is a meeting on the 29th coming up when the coach is back so we'll see how that goes," Ryder said.

"I'm definitely not ruled out for a return for England."

England open their ANZ international series on February 4 with two T20 warm-up games against a New Zealand XI in Whangarei before playing three T20s, three ODIs and three tests against the Black Caps.

Having previously been coy on his future, Ryder spoke more openly about his desire to return in all forms for New Zealand.

"Definitely all forms, especially test cricket. That's the main goal for me to be a consistent test player."

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum made it clear that he wants the gifted left-hander back in the side.

"We would love to have Jesse in our team," he said. "He's got some issues that he's dealing with at the moment and he's making progress. But when he's fit and healthy and fine in his own space and performing as he is back home he'll be a vital member of the team."

Ryder played the last of his 18 tests in the historic victory over Australia in Hobart in 2011.

The 28-year-old said the Black Caps' two-test series defeat to South Africa, where they lost both matches by an innings, was hard viewing.

"They are a lot better players than what they are showing at the moment. I think maybe show a little bit more grit and fight. BJ Watling was a good example of that, he battled through."

- Herald online