Kiwis' Ryder thrilled with Essex deal

England

New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has joined English county Essex for the current season, and will play for them in all three formats, provided his visa is approved.

New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has joined English county Essex for the current season, and will play for them in all three formats, provided his visa is approved.

The controversial batsman, currently not in the Black Caps' good books after being caught on a night out ahead of a Test in February, is not being considered for the national side, and is thus free to give Essex his big-hitting skills.

He was pleased with the deal, saying: "I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to represent Essex. This couldn't have come at a better time as I want to get as much cricket as possible over the New Zealand winter.

"It's an added bonus that there are a few of the guys who I have played with before, the side looks very strong and they have got off to a good start for the season."

Ryder had only recently returned to the national side when he got himself into trouble again, having been in an induced coma following an attack on him outside a nightclub in Christchurch in early 2013, and then banned for six moths for unwittingly taking a banned substance.

This will not matter to Essex, provided he keeps his nose clean and scores runs, give the absence of opener Alastair Cook, who will be gone for the side much of the time in his role as England captain.

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