Ryder - Tour touch and go

Ryder: New contract

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New Zealand star Jesse Ryder is a fitness doubt ahead of the One Day International series against England.

The all-rounder starred in the Black Caps' ODI series win over England in February but has yet to return to cricket after injuring his hand after punching a glass window in a Christchurch bar.

The 23-year-old was given a New Zealand Cricket contract on Monday but will test his hand in the nets this month. The first ODI is at Durham on June 15.

He also intends to rejoin the New Brighton club on the Wirral ahead of the tour if he is given the all-clear.

"It's going to be touch and go," the former Ireland left-hand bat told the Dominion Post.

Peter Fulton is on standby.

Miss out

Ryder was selected in both the touring party and contract list ahead of Firebirds team-mates Matthew Bell and Grant Elliott.

Bell was disappointed to miss out on both a 12-month deal and the tour squad.

"I'm gutted I'm not going on the tour and now I haven't got a contract, it's pretty disappointing," he said.

"I had a big year, not many people score 1,000 first-class runs. I admit I had a bad last month and I'm paying a pretty big penalty for it. I've just got to take it on the chin I suppose."

New Zealand arrive in England next week and will play three Tests and seven-ODIs. All the matches will be televised live on Sky Sports.