Hesson declares Ryder 'available and in serious consideration' for NZ A squad

New Zealand national coach Mike Hesson has declared that the destructive batsman Jesse Ryder is available and in serious consideration for next month's New Zealand A team tour.

Hesson hinted at a softening in attitude towards Ryder following Sunday's abandoned third ODI against South Africa in Hamilton, which saw the tourists depart with a 2-0 series win.

The naming of the New Zealand A squad for four ODIs against associate nations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had been pushed back till Friday, while test opener Hamish Rutherford's fractured little finger is assessed, Stuff.co.nz reported.

If Rutherford is ruled out, Dean Brownlie could be elevated from the New Zealand A squad, while the chances of Ryder touring appear more likely by the day.

Hesson said that they have been pretty open that the last two weeks they have been talking with Ryder; himself, Brendon McCullum and team manager Mike Sandle, they have been in regular communication with the batsman.

He added that it's really important that they continue that. Hesson said that it's a big decision for them, adding if they were to reintroduce Ryder, not so much to New Zealand, but back into the New Zealand A set-up, it's important that they get this decision right.

Hesson said that the team would be named on Friday, adding that Ryder is available, absolutely, and he would be considered for that side.

Ryder declined an invitation to play in Friday's Island of Origin Twenty20 because he felt he wasn't physically ready for a heavy playing workload.

While his inclusion in the World Cup squad, to be named on January 8, remains a long shot, Ryder's naming in the New Zealand A squad, which plays during the Test series against Pakistan, would give the team hierarchy a gauge on his commitment to an international return with his off-field behaviour, the report added.