When Jesse Ryder was given his chance despite a terrible track record of drinking related indiscretions I thought it should be one chance and one chance only.

After he proved to be one of the few shining lights for the Black Caps this summer, however, I don't think I could be ruthless enough to discard him.

Lindsay Crocker speaking on Radiosport this morning said he though his three month lay-off was punishment enough and no further action is expected to be taken.

I'd agree because not only has our middle order been ripped apart in the lead up to the Test series against England but one of the most promising opening partnerships in world cricket will not be together next time the Black Caps put on the colours in England.

It's a punishment for New Zealand cricket fans.

According to Crocker, in the lead up to the incident Ryder was drinking relatively peacefully (at 5.30 am) with friends. His drinking session had started very late as the ODI at Christchurch had taken a while to wrap up.

He showed no bizarre behaviour in the lead up to the incident and mentioned he was going to the toilet just before the glass smashing and cut tendons.

I have heard the locked toilets have created a problem at the Stock X Change Bar and Cafe before and Ryder found his own way to the hospital. I hope these don't form parts of his defence.

What's your verdict on Jesse? Forgive him or forget him?

Also, I have to retract what I said about Brendon McCullum not being the best option to open the batting.

The man is simply a sensation and possibly the most dangerous ODI opening batsmen since Adam Gilchrist in his prime and easily the best batsman of 2008 so far.

He'd even give a young Sanath Jaysuriya a run for his money.

It is a great testament to his worth that he fetched almost the same price as Gilchrist in the IPL auctions and almost twice as much as Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden.