New Zealand's Jesse Ryder Not Offered First-Class Contract

Discarded Kiwi southpaw batsman, Jesse Ryder has not been included in the first-class contract with any of the six domestic teams of New Zealand.

The country’s six major domestic teams announced the name of the contracted players for the upcoming season of 2018-19.

Meanwhile, Ryder played for Central Districts in the previous season of the domestic circuit. However, the left-handed batsman failed to make the cut in given contracts with the Stags.

Ryder has a vast experience under his belt in the domestic circuit.

In fact, Ryder played 18 Test matches for New Zealand. The southpaw batsman also played 48 One-Dayers for the Kiwis. Furthermore, he has scored 25 first-class hundreds to go with 11 List A centuries.

Central Districts chief executive, Pet De Wet said the one spot is still available for the contracted players. However, it won’t be given to Jesse Ryder.

“Jesse began his professional career for us way back in 2002/03 when he was a promising youngster. Later, after nine seasons representing the Wellington Firebirds and two seasons with the Otago Volts, we were delighted when his career came full circle in 2015/16 when we welcomed Jesse back to our squad as a seasoned player.”

“Jesse has been a valuable member of our squad for the past few summers and he started strongly for us last season. Notably, he achieved a century in each innings of a first-class match for the second time in his career, and later made a solid contribution to our Ford Trophy campaign,” noted de Wet as quoted by NZ Herald.

Meanwhile, Central has handed a new contract to young all-rounders in Willem Ludick and Christian Leopard.

Consequently, it will be a great opportunity for both these rookie players to leave their mark in the domestic circuit.