Jesse Ryder: Cult hero... almost

I wonder if Jesse Ryder knows he is on the cusp of gathering a life times worth of cult followers.

Let's face it... if you haven't had direct exposure to his darker ill-behaved side he comes across as very jolly and likable on the field.

He's built in the mould of Arjuna Ranatunga or David Boon, more-so Boon because he seems to be more likeable to cricket fans from other countries.

He's even got a boozy background to match but for his sake I hope he doesn't attempt to match any famous drinking feats on the flight to England (if he makes it).

As English commentator David Lloyd said, "he's got a bit about him, he's got a lot of character this lad".

On top of that he can play some great cricket. His stand-and-deliver/backfoot cover drive is already developing into a trademark along with his slightly slouched trundling around the field.

Add to this that he has already shown himself to have a bit of Inzammam to him while running between the wickets and the Black Caps have ready made entertainment and frustration for a few years to come.

Who wouldn't want him to succeed?

A lot of our ex-players obviously - but maybe that stems from personal grievances.

That will always be a result of Ryder's questionable past but hopefully he can put that to rest by performing on the field.

Come on selectors stick with him!

It was very sad to hear about Lou Vincent's fight with depression this week.

As much as I rate him as a player it will now be very difficult for him to get back into international cricket.

He has started well on the road to recovery with some good scores for Auckland and I hope he won't be discarded as England has done to a similarly ill Marcus Trescothick.

It is easy to see how the pressure of constantly being made a scapegoat for your team's bad performances can eat away at your confidence.

Let's hope Mathew Sinclair doesn't suffer the same fate.

What do you think of Jesse Ryder in New Zealand colours? Like it or hate it? Do you think Lou Vincent will make it back to the top?

YOUR COMMENTS

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tbl_shandyman - posted Feb 13 10:03 am
It has taken a long time for the selectors to take a gamble on someone instead of playing it safe with people such as cumming at the top of the order or make shift openers such as Flemming, Vettorri and Mcmillan. Even tho Rhyder is not an opener he has been given a job and looks like he knows exactly what he has to do. It is a pity that the selectors haven'y gambled more on another raw talent, Adams, and now he has gone to the Rebel League!! Get rid of Bracewell
brucejenkins - posted Feb 13 06:33 pm
Finally the NZ Selectors have woken up and taken the plunge, something that would have never happened in the past. Ryder has the X factor, exceptionally good hand speed and isn't phased by anyones reputation, so this makes him a very exciting prospect for the future. NZ Cricket needs to invest in this guy and take him on the upcoming tour of England and then develop him into a middle order batsman as he has ample ability to fit both roles. Remember Mark Greatbatch. Go Jessie.
johnnyhip2000 - posted Feb 15 09:06 am
yes get rid of Bracewell, need some fresh blood in the top job.
stop bring in new player all the time not good for the team
sheehan.matt - posted Feb 15 09:08 am
I agree with brucejenkins. Reminded me a lot of Greatbatch.
wilson.dean@xtra.co.nz - posted Feb 15 09:42 am
Hi - am a first time blogger, so am feeling a little nervous. I will start by saying that I am a big fan of Mr Edwards blogs, and he seems to have built quite a fan club with the likes of The Shandyman, being regular and intelligent contributors. I agree with Edwards & the Shandyman on this occasion that Ryder is an exciting talent that must be preservered with. NZ Cricket has lost a wealth of experience in the last few seasons...

Why has Fleming & Styris retired.....Money!!. Their
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