It’s an internal team issue, not breach of code of conduct: Kiwi team manager – Cricket News Update
Following http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 team manager, Mike Sandle, has confirmed the incident is an issue which will be dealt within, by the
team management, and is not a breach of the code of conduct.
“… this is an internal team (issue), it's not a code of conduct,” Sandle confirmed.
Following the ODI against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 at Napier, pacer Doug Bracewell and batsman Jesse Ryder visited a nearby hotel, where they consumed alcohol, despite the fact that both were recovering from injuries – Bracewell from a hamstring complaint, and Ryder
from calf and hand injuries. Both players were also involved in a war of words with a customer at the bar.
Sandle confirmed that while the incident is not technically a breach of the code of conduct, it is disappointing, and the team and fans have been let down by the irresponsible behavior of the two players. He added that the act of alcohol consumption by duo,
whose responsibility was to work towards optimum fitness in order to give their best to the team, was the more serious offence in the eyes of the management.
"...their biggest offence was being in the bar in the first place. Ryder and Bracewell were under injury clouds and team protocol prevented players from drinking while carrying injuries," Sandle said.
However, he went on to explain that the two players did not indulge in an all-night drinking frenzy, and even the clash with the bar patron was verbal, with no physical or property damage having been caused.
“It wasn't a big night,” he said. “… the guys were downtown for a few hours ... There was no physical or damage to any property,” he clarified.
Ryder’s national career has been interspersed with controversial incidents, more often than not involving intoxication. However, despite the latest addition to the string of controversies attached to his name, the player’s contract with New Zealand cricket
is still valid. The two players have, however, been banned for the 3rd and last ODI against South Africa, scheduled for March 3 at the Eden Park, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Auckland-c766.
While Bracewell has secured a spot in the Test squad for the upcoming series against the Proteas, Ryder will be sitting out the series– however, team management has clarified that this is not due to the recent bar-incident, but rather owing to fitness concerns.
Tags: