Ryder to turn his back on New Zealand

Jesse Ryder, the precocious allrounder from Wellington, is ready to turn his back on New Zealand and pledge his future to England.

Ryder, who recently signed as an overseas player for Ireland, said he was "sick" of playing for New Zealand A, insisting that his domestic performances ought to have warranted a call-up to the senior squad.

"I know I am only young. But I have had two very good New Zealand A tours and stuff like that - but I don't even get a chance," Ryder told Sunday News. "I've been doing a job on the field. So I can't see why they didn't give me a go."

One possible explanation for Ryder's exclusion is his off-field indiscretions, earning him the label as a bit of a party-boy which, he admits, has probably held him back. However, both Ryder's grandfathers hail from England, as does his father, meaning he could qualify to play in the County Championship and potentially represent England. Such is Ryder's anger that he even told New Zealand cricket that he was unavailable for New Zealand A's forthcoming tour of Australia.

"I didn't want to play for them for another year," he said. "I have told New Zealand Cricket. It didn't go down well, I had a few phone calls.

"I am still pretty young. Every now and then you do some stupid things - but I am still scoring runs and taking wickets."