After a frustrating six months of rehabilitation for a catalogue of injuries BLACKCAPS batting star Jesse Ryder is back in black and has quickly found his feet.
Talking exclusively to www.blackcaps.co.nz from the pre ICC World Twenty20 training camp in Brisbane Ryder said, “We’ve had a good week in Brisbane leading up to it in our camp. I’m scoring a few runs and hitting the ball well.
“I’m really surprised on how my form has come along so quickly. I’ve been out for about six months and to come back and to score runs like I did has been good.”
The camp was for the squad of 11 players with four others involved in the IPL and followed on from a rigorous two week individual programme set out by the BLACKCAPS coaching staff.
Related Links
Ryder’s long set back was partly due to a misdiagnosis but once the injury was identified he underwent surgery and was back to full training within days. When asked about his progress Ryder replied, “It’s probably not 100% but it’s as good as it’s going to get.”
The powerful opening batsmen has been missed at the top of the order and his presence giving the team a formidable looking batting line as he gets set to join Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor in the top four.
It is the first time the 25 year-old has visited the West Indies and he can’t wait to get stuck in. Along with the punters favourites he is tipping the BLACKCAPS to make an impact. “As always, you can’t really look past the Aussies. South Africa have got a pretty good team and we’re in with a chance as well if we play to our potential.”
Twenty20 International Statistics
Played - 9
Batting
Batting average – 25.66
Runs - 231
Strike rate – 132.75
High score – 62
Bowling
Bowling average – 34.00
Wickets – 2
Econ rate – 6.80
The BLACKCAPS play warm up matches against Ireland and the West Indies before their first group match against Sri Lanka in Guyana on 30 April (31 April NZ time).
