Ryder opts for IPL over England series

Wellington: New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder will miss the New Zealand's home series against England and instead make himself available for the Indian Premier League, his manager said on Monday. Ryder opted to take a self-imposed break from cricket last March after a series of disciplinary lapses and a drop in form that led to him consulting a psychologist.

The talented batsman has been in good touch since returning to first-class cricket with Wellington late last year but manager Aaron Klee said it was too early for the 28-year-old to resume his international career. "There's nothing to be gained by rushing him back," Klee told the Dominion Post newspaper. "There's just downside risks, but if we're a bit more patient and wait till everything is in place and Jesse's ready, then there will be more upside risks."

Instead of playing in the England tour beginning next month, Klee said Ryder would put himself forward in the player auction for the IPL, which runs from April 3 to May 26. "People are going to speculate about why he's available for the IPL and not New Zealand (but) it's a domestic competition and it's a short-term contract, so it gives us the ability to reassess it. If you go back to international cricket you can't reassess tour after tour. It fits a bit better into his goals and plans."

Ryder's manager said it is too early for the 28-year-old to resume his international career.

Ryder's prowess will be sorely missed by the Black Caps, who were badly exposed with the bat in two Test drubbings on their recent tour of South Africa. However, their batting stock against England will be boosted by the return of Ross Taylor, who sat out the South Africa tour after being sacked as captain but has made himself available for the three-Test series.

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