Source: Radio New Zealand
Jesse Ryder goes on the attack for the CD Stags in 2022. Photosport
Following his departure from the international cricket scene, former Black Cap Jesse Ryder will make a comeback for the T20 Black Clash.
Daniel Vettori’s Team Cricket takes on Kieran Read’s Team Rugby at Tauranga’s Bay Oval on the 17 January.
A left-handed batsman, Ryder scored all three of his test centuries against India and was one of New Zealand sport’s more colourful figures.
“The Black Clash looks like awesome fun so that’s definitely a bit of me,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get out there. I reckon I’ve still got a bit to offer!”
Ryder’s penchant for being part of record-breaking occasions carried over into shorter forms of the game – in 2014, he scored what still stands as the ninth-fastest ODI century of all time, smashing 104 off 46 balls in a rain-shortened match against the West Indies in Queenstown.
“On his day Jesse was without doubt one of the most destructive batters the game has seen,” captain Vettori said.
“It’s going to be great catching up with him again. I’m sure he’ll be going all out to put on a show for the fans.”
Now 41, Ryder played professionally as recently as 2023 when he appeared in a T20 legends series for the Southern Superstars.
Event director Carlena Limmer is delighted to have secured Ryder for the 2026 Black Clash.
“The T20 Black Clash is all about having a great time and celebrating Kiwi sport’s finest athletes and biggest personalities,” Limmer said.
“Jesse certainly ticks all the boxes – I’d say he’s the ultimate Black Clash player. I know the fans will all get behind him and hope he produces some of his trademark massive hits.”
Ryder joins other Black Caps stars, with Tim Southee and Neil Wagner adding some world class pace bowling to what is perhaps the strongest Team Cricket line-up yet.
However, Read’s ever-competitive Team Rugby have countered by signing Aussie legend Michael ‘Mr Cricket’ Hussey to play alongside a cast of rugby stars who just happen to have elite cricketing skills.
It’s the third time the event has been held in Tauranga, with the sold out 2022 and 2024 editions drawing sports fans from across the country to the picturesque Bay Oval.
Confirmed players
Team Cricket
Dan Vettori (Captain), Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Hamish Marshall , Kyle Mills, Nathan McCullum, Jesse Ryder
Team Rugby
Kieran Read (Captain), Michael Hussey (Wildcard), Ruben Love, Joey Wheeler, Andy Ellis, Jason Spice, Kaylum Boshier
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
