New Zealand cricket team is like a second home team for many cricket fans. Not that they are the greatest ever cricket team to have played the game. Not that they have the flair of any West Indian team. Not that they have won too many ICC trophies. But with New Zealand cricket, fans associate an under 14 boxer competing against an under 19 boxer; a boxer who may not win all the time, but who could give fight a good name. They have a few great cricketers, but most New Zealand cricketers are loved by fans. Jesse Ryder is one of them.
He may not win the best behaved cricketer award but he has all the qualities to contest for the most enigmatic cricketer of current times. With bat in hand, he dazzles the crowd with daring stroke play. And when off the field, his tryst with alcohol and depression saddens cricket fans and administrators. In one way or the other, Jesse hits the headlines. But this time around, more than being amused, fans are worried. The attacks have damaged his skull and left him in an induced coma.
In recent times, New Zealand had done something un-New Zealand like with the way they handled the Ross Taylor saga. It was followed by their below par Test performances in South Africa. Just before the home series against England, Doug Bracewell’s party at his home left him injured. If that was not enough, world cricket’s Harry Potter- Daniel Vettori disobeyed the code of conduct and joined Jeetan Patel for a drinks session which ended in an altercation with a bar bouncer. But post New Zealand’s inspiring performances against England in the Test series, fans were in a happy place, at home and around the world. But that happiness was short-lived as the news of Jesse Ryder being assaulted broke out.
| |
Mat |
Inns |
NO |
Runs |
HS |
Ave |
BF |
SR |
100 |
50 |
4s |
6s |
Ct |
St |
| Tests |
18 |
33 |
2 |
1269 |
201 |
40.93 |
2299 |
55.19 |
3 |
6 |
146 |
6 |
12 |
0 |
| ODIs |
39 |
33 |
1 |
1100 |
107 |
34.37 |
1226 |
89.72 |
2 |
6 |
115 |
31 |
14 |
0 |
| T20Is |
20 |
19 |
1 |
412 |
62 |
22.88 |
335 |
122.98 |
0 |
3 |
42 |
16 |
5 |
0 |
Table: Jesse Ryder's Career Stats
As we publish the article, his thumbs-up to his family in the late hours in New Zealand is positive news. A much needed calm for the family that had its share of nerves since the moment of the attack. New Zealand police have identified and arrested two men who launched an attack on Jesse Ryder. Like New Zealand cricket, Jesse has shown signs of improvement. Immaterial what cricket has in store for Jesse, I like many others wish Jesse Ryder a quick recovery. Take care, Mr. Ryder. Get well soon.