'Disgruntled' Ryder pulls himself out of Kiwi first-class team Firebirds

Wellington, Mar 16(ANI): A disgruntled Jesse Ryder has pulled out of the New Zealand first-class cricket team Wellington Firebirds.

Wellington coach Jamie Siddons said Ryder had told him that he would play in Wellington's recently-completed match against Northern Districts but changed his mind on game day.

"He sat with us and talked with us about wanting to play and what happened that evening, I've got no idea. I was pretty confident he was in a good head space," stuff.co.nz quoted Siddons, as saying.

"He was disappointed with what happened and p..... off with the Black Caps and how they treated him, but looking forward to playing for us. I had a little text fest with him yesterday and he seemed in a good space again, but not willing to play this game (against Central Districts from Sunday)."

Siddons said Ryder was "hinting" at making himself available for Wellington's season-ending match, against Otago, but that the Firebirds were "almost better off leaving him alone" and giving someone like Michael Pollard another game.

Pollard's likely to retain his spot against Central Districts, with Craig Cachopa dropping out to accommodate the returning Luke Woodcock.

Siddons expressed surprise that Mark Gillespie wasn't available but was excited to see what the fast bowler did in his return to test cricket, against South Africa, in Hamilton. Scott Kuggeleijn will take Gillespie's place.

Wellington name their team today. (ANI)