Fine sours comeback for Ryder

Troubled New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder was fined for using offensive language Friday, taking the gloss off a dazzling return to first-class cricket as he strives to revive his international career.

Ryder, a raw talent whose record has been marred by a string of disciplinary lapses, announced he was taking a break from cricket earlier this year to work on "personal issues" after being dropped from the Black Caps.

He made a confident return to the crease in his comeback match for Wellington against Central Districts last week, scoring 117 in the first innings and 174 in the second.

But New Zealand Cricket said Friday that he had been fined NZ$750 ($610) for using offensive and insulting language during the match. It did not detail the offence, which reports said arose from frustration at an lbw decision.

AFP