Monday 17 November 2014 09:33, UK
Jesse Ryder looks set to miss out on a place in New Zealand’s World Cup squad after withdrawing from New Zealand A’s tour of the United Arab Emirates later this month.
The 30-year-old all-rounder, who was in fine form for Essex last summer, told the selectors he was unavailable for personal reasons for the tour which involved two limited-overs matches against Ireland and others against the UAE and Afghanistan.
The withdrawal follows Ryder’s absence from the Otago team that beat Canterbury in a domestic Twenty20 match in Christchurch on Sunday.
New Zealand selector Bruce Edgar said: "NZC (New Zealand Cricket) respects Jesse's decision and is currently considering options for a replacement."
Ryder has not played for New Zealand since he went on a late-night drinking session in Auckland before the start of a Test series against India nine months ago.
Edgar had previously said the United Arab Emirates tour was a chance to assess Ryder and "his future prospects will depend on his performance, on and off the field in Dubai".
The New Zealand selectors will announce their preliminary squad for the World Cup on December 8.
