'Stressed' Kiwi batsman Ryder to take indefinite break from cricket

Wellington, Mar 9(ANI): Kiwi batsman Jesse Ryder is taking an indefinite break from cricket to resolve personal issues after undergoing a "deeply stressful and emotional time" in the team.

Ryder's manager Aaron Klee confirmed Ryder has withdrawn from the Plunket Shield match between Wellington and Northern Districts at the Basin Reserve.

"We hope that Jesse will be available for Firebirds selection again in the coming weeks, but it would be imprudent of me to try and put an exact date on this," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Klee, as saying.

"We are not dealing with this from a professional perspective as a cricketer, this is all about Jesse as a person. That is my total focus as his manager, and as his friend," he added.

His statement comes after both Ryder and Doug Bracewell were axed from the New Zealand squad for violating team regulations by drinking, while suffering an injury.

Ryder was earlier slammed by former cricketer Craig McMillan, who said Ryder should take the blame for the defeat and added he had put self-interest first in trying to score his half-century rather than taking into account the team cause.

"That criticism would hurt anyone. He wasn't just questioning Jesse's batting, he was questioning his integrity," Klee added.

He felt Ryder was recalled to the New Zealand squad too soon, after he had been ordered by coach John Wright to prove his fitness and recovery from a torn calf muscle. (ANI)