By Andrew Gourdie
Stand in BlackCaps skipper Brendon McCullum has described tomorrow's Twenty20 series decider against South Africa as pivotal for his side's momentum.
For that reason, he's hoping to see a fit again Jesse Ryder straight back into the side.
It’s been more than two months since Ryder was in the BlackCaps environment, but after proving his fitness and his form for Wellington.
McCullum says he’s “confident” that Ryder has been hitting the ball well, and will make the step up.
“He’s a class player and we expect if he does come into the mix he'll slip back into the team pretty comfortably,” he says.
If Ryder does return at Eden Park, McCullum says it'll be at 4, 5 or 6 with his place at the top of the order likely to remain with Rob Nicol for now.
McCullum has also responded to criticism aimed at Tim Southee following his verbal barrage directed at Richard Levi during his matchwinning performance in Hamilton, saying “it’s easy to give chat when you’re in front”.
“I think it's a mark of Tim - he's a streetfighter and he's never gonna back down.
“I don't mind, there's nothing in it.”
Fans can expect more aggression in Auckland tomorrow night as both sides search for an edge heading into the one day series.
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