Ryder out of World T20 with mystery illness

Nottingham:

New Zealand called up Otago batsman Aaron Redmond to replace the sick Jesse Ryder for the World Twenty20, the Black Caps said on Thursday.

Ryder, a top order batsman, was hospitalised in London earlier this week for a mysterious illness and did not travel with the team for the Super Eights match against Ireland here on Thursday.

Redmond made an immediate impact at the top of the order by smashing 63 off 30 balls when New Zealand batted.

"I had been playing in the Bolton League. There were a lot of 50-over matches which were rain-affected, so it was good practice for the shortened version of the game," said Redmond.

"We have plenty of good players. I just go out there and bat. It was important to get a good start and put runs on the board. But we all miss Jesse. He's a good man."

New Zealand manager Dave Currie said Ryder remained in hospital, but was likely to be released within the next 24 hours and head back to New Zealand for further recuperation.

"Unfortunately medical advice is that it would be very difficult for Jesse to regain full fitness in time for the remainder of the tournament," said Currie.

"Because of the time constraints at this stage of the tournament we have made the call to bring in a replacement player, and we are fortunate that Aaron has been able to join the side for Thursday's game.

"It's a real disappointment for Jesse. He is one of the most explosive batsmen in the world and was well placed to make his mark on this tournament," said Currie.

The International Cricket Council has approved Redmond's inclusion in the squad, Currie added.

A media release from the Black Caps earlier this week said "the diagnosis of Jesse's injury was unclear, but it seems he is suffering from a significant infection".

Redmond was playing grade cricket in England when he was summoned to join the national squad.

He has played seven Tests for New Zealand and was a leading performer in the latest domestic Twenty20 competition, finishing as the top run scorer including an innings of 100 not out from 58 balls.