Shut door on opener theory

Jesse Ryder is better suited coming in later when there's less shine and swing. Photo / Getty Images

Jesse Ryder would be more effective further down the order.

Let's detonate a myth about Jesse Ryder. Contrary to the popular theory that he is the miracle cure to solve New Zealand's opening conundrum at the World Cup, he might serve better at No5.

All recent evidence suggests this is a more appropriate place if, and it's a big if, the New Zealand selectors decide he's ready to resume internationals after February's late-night lark as a member of the test squad on the eve of the Indian series.

Ryder has played 22 innings of 50-over cricket in the past year - nine ODIs, seven for Otago in the Ford Trophy and six for Essex in the Royal London Cup.

The nine ODIs were as an opener against the West Indies and India - he scored 262 runs at an average of 29.11 and strike rate of 129.

The seven Ford Trophy innings were as a No 5 (with one exception at No 4) - he scored 436 runs at 72.66 and a strike rate of 125.

The six Royal London Cup innings were as a No 5 (with one exception at No 3 and No 4 after the openers were well set) - he scored 369 runs at 92.25 and a strike rate of 123.

The pattern is clear, as is the solution. With two new balls in ODI cricket these days, Ryder is better suited coming in later when there's less shine and swing.

It's reflected in his ODI average, too. In 33 innings opening, he averages 31.62 at a strike rate of 102. When he doesn't, his average improves to 38.88 but the strike rate drops to 80.

The effect of Ryder moving down would be that captain Brendon McCullum returns to open and takes the pressure off Martin Guptill so he can fulfil more of an anchor role.

McCullum still averages more as an opener in 80 innings (33.06) than he does from Nos 3-5 in 36 innings (30.96). If an early calamity strikes, Kane Williamson repairs the innings at No 3.

That's the statistical proof, after which comes the roll of the dice: can Ryder behave himself enough to get that far?

The New Zealand A tour of the United Arab Emirates begins next Sunday with a match against the hosts in Dubai. Ryder's behaviour will be monitored, but no closer than anyone else's. The expectations as part of any national side that tours under the New Zealand Cricket banner are simple - do what's best for the team.

That might be considered vague as a mission statement. One man's debauchery might be another's idea of a cracking night out but to put specifics around curfews, booze and other vices misses a crucial point - these are grown men.

Common sense is the catch-cry. That means no hangovers or dawn benders on game day. However, it's not a monastery. A degree of latitude, particularly after matches, is encouraged in the name of relaxation and camaraderie considering players can tour with various teams more than 10 months a year.

The onus now goes on Ryder to prove himself again in New Zealand A colours before any assessment of these questions: How much is team spirit threatened by his propensity to break rank? How much 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?

Ryder apologists will argue he's a match-winner - and he is - but the likes of Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tim Southee would supersede him among New Zealand incumbents and team men bolster and cushion those pedestals.

Ryder's selection in the A side is the perfect public relations exercise to test commitment. He's not clocking up official ODIs and, if his behaviour deteriorates, NZC will have proof he's not worth the risk.

New Zealand's final 15-man squad will be named on January 8.

Andrew Alderson travelled to the UAE courtesy of Emirates.