Ryder out for Ireland

Jesse Ryder

Former New Zealand A batsman Jesse Ryder is unlikely to play for Ireland again after failing to report for Sunday’s washed out Friends Provident Trophy match at Surrey.

The 22-year-old, who had been playing club cricket in Liverpool, joined the Irish as a second overseas player for their trophy campaign earlier this month.

Coach Phil Simmons has drafted in 21-year-old left-arm spinner Gary Kidd, who had been playing for the MCC Young Cricketers, for Monday’s game at Sussex.

Simmons said: “I received a text message that he had missed his flight, and have heard nothing since.

“I don't know what the real position is until I speak to his agent, but he should have been here. It's not acceptable to me, and I don't think he'll play for Ireland again.

“I haven't ruled out bringing in someone else for the final two games against Middlesex and Glamorgan on June 10 and 13, as we have a budget already in place for those games. Ideally someone based in England would be our preferred option.

“It'll give me a chance to take a look at Gary, whom I've heard good reports about. It's an opportunity for him to impress me and I know he's a player who [previous coach] Adrian Birrell had a high opinion of."

Kidd has played one game for Ireland, against the MCC at Limavady in 2004, and was in the reserve squad for this year’s World Cup.