New Zealand international Jesse Ryder to carry on playing for Essex for the next two years
Wednesday 24 September 2014 15:35, UK
New Zealand all-rounder Jesse Ryder has signed a new two-year deal with Essex, keeping him at the club until 2016.
The 30-year-old, who has played 18 Tests for the Kiwis, joined the county on a one-year contract in April and has enjoyed a productive first season, scoring 1,196 runs across all three formats and taking 43 wickets in the County Championship alone.
Ryder has had a chequered career, with his ability with both bat and ball frequently overshadowed by disciplinary issues including a six-month doping ban.
But Ryder, who took 5-24 in the County Championship game against Worcestershire on Tuesday, has earned the respect of Paul Grayson, with the Essex head coach describing his contribution as "magnificent".
“We are all delighted that Jesse has extended his stay with the club and this is a really important signing." said Grayson, who admitted Ryder's prowess as a bowler had taken him by surprise.
"Jesse has shown this season that he is one of the best players in world cricket and I’m sure this will be exciting news for the club’s members and supporters who get to watch him in action for another two seasons.
"He has fitted in really well to the dressing room and we feel that having Jesse in the team will only improve our hopes of challenging for silverware again in 2015."
