Ryder added to Twenty20 squad

New Zealand Cricket selectors today added Jesse Ryder to the BLACKCAPS Twenty20 squad for the final match of The National Bank Series against South Africa at Eden Park on Wednesday 22 February.

BLACKCAPS Twenty20 squad:

Brendon McCullum (c) – Otago Volts
Michael Bates – Auckland Aces
Doug Bracewell – Central Stags
Colin de Grandhomme – Auckland Aces
James Franklin – Wellington Firebirds
Martin Guptill – Auckland Aces
Ronnie Hira – Auckland Aces
Nathan McCullum – Otago Volts
Kyle Mills – Auckland Aces
Rob Nicol – Canterbury Wizards
Jacob Oram – Central Stags
Jesse Ryder – Wellington Firebirds
Tim Southee – Northern Knights
Kane Williamson – Northern Knights

Ryder replaces Andrew Ellis who has asked to return to Christchurch to be with family for the anniversary of the Canterbury earthquake.

National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn said: “We are pleased with the progress Jesse has made since returning from injury and with Andrew not available for the final match we felt it was a good opportunity to bring him back into the mix.”

The squad for the first two One Day Internationals of The National Bank Series against South Africa will be announced this afternoon.