The New Zealand cricket board has Jesse Ryder and paceman Doug Bracewell undisclosed sums after they were investigated for staying out drinking in Auckland till the early hours before the first Test began.
Ryder’s alcohol problems are well documented, but the poor timing has angered the New Zealand cricket set-up, public and the media in Wellington.
He was in contention for a Test comeback if senior batsman Ross Taylor misses the Basin Reserve game to be with his wife, who is expecting their second child.
Ryder and Bracewell may not return to the national team set-up unless the alchohol issue is addressed to their satisfaction.
Their places in the squad have been handed to all-rounder James Neesham, 23, and batsman Tom Latham, 21, both of whom have played in ODIs.
“We see Jimmy as a genuine all-rounder who can play a number of roles for us. His form with both bat and ball in the Plunket Shield (domestic first class competition) this season speaks for itself,” national selector Bruce Edgar said in a statement.
According to the local media, Ryder is unlikely to return to the national squad until he seeks help for his alcohol problem.
{{/usCountry}}According to the local media, Ryder is unlikely to return to the national squad until he seeks help for his alcohol problem.
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