Jesse Ryder to miss NZ A tour; World Cup hopes dim

Wellington, Nov 17: Jesse Ryder has withdrawn from the New Zealand A tour to the United Arab Emirates later this month, likely ending his bid to play at World Cup 2015.

Ryder told New Zealand's selectors Monday he is unvailable for personal reasons for the A team's tour which involves two limited-overs matches against Ireland and others against the UAE and Afghanistan.

New Zealand Cricket said in a statement it "respects Jesse's decision" to withdraw. The tour is part of the process which will lead to the December 8 announcement of New Zealand's preliminary World Cup squad.

Ryder yesterday failed to join his Otago provincial team on a flight to Christchurch for a domestic Twenty20 match, only advising team officials later of his unavailability.

AP