Recovering Jesse Ryder out of ICU, tells supporters "I'm okay"

New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder has told well-wishers "I'm okay" three days after suffering severe head injuries in a fight outside a Christchurch bar.

Ryder was moved on Sunday from the intensive care ward of Christchurch Hospital to a regular ward as he recovers from a fractured skull and punctured lung. On Saturday the 28-year-old was brought out of an induced coma and removed from a respirator.

In a statement Sunday, Ryder said "I just want to let everyone know that I'm OK.

"I feel heaps better today but still really tired. I've been reading your messages that have been sent so thank you to everyone for thinking of me over the last few days."