Cricket: Ryder back with 84 in just 83 balls

Jesse Ryder. Photo / AP

Jesse Ryder has announced his comeback with a typical bang.

Ryder, in his first game back after a well-publicised break, made an unbeaten 84 from 83 balls in Wellington's first turn with the bat in their Plunket Shield match against Central Districts in Napier, steering his side to 254-8 at the close of day two.

It was the 28-year-old's first innings at first-class level since he decided to take an indefinite break from cricket in March.

Wellington still trail by 129 runs.

After resuming on 301-3, Central would have had designs on an insurmountable total but, after Matthew Sinclair was first man out for 143, the wickets tumbled.

In the day's other game in Rangiora, Canterbury have fought back in their clash with Otago, leading by 221 runs with two wickets in hand and a day remaining.

Otago will still fancy their chances of wrapping up the tail and chasing down the target today.

The day got off to a bad start for the visitors, when Neil Wagner was hit in the head by a stray ball before the start of play. The quick still took the field before leaving with a headache midway through his second over. But Otago Cricket confirmed his removal was only precautionary.

Dean Brownlie's fifth first-class century was the highlight for Canterbury.