SA in New Zealand
Kiwis' drunk duo banned
2012-03-01 10:53
Wellington - New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder and
paceman Doug Bracewell have been handed one-match bans for going out
drinking while recovering from injury and being goaded into a verbal
slanging match with a patron at a local pub.
The pair had defied
team rules by drinking at a Napier bar after New Zealand's one-day
international loss to South Africa on Wednesday, the team said in a
statement.
"They went out after the match, breaking team
protocols and as a consequence have compromised their preparation and
neither player can be considered for the next match," the statement
said.
Bracewell had been receiving treatment for a tight hamstring, while Ryder split webbing in his hand during the Napier match.
Black Caps team manager Mike Sandle said: "... We are disappointed they became involved in a verbal argument with a patron.
"Despite the fact that the players were goaded, and they didn't allow
the situation to escalate past a short exchange of words, we expect
players to walk away.
"Both players have apologised for their
actions and said they fully understood the consequences. They know they
have let down fans and team mates alike."
New Zealand have lost
the first two of the three-match ODI series against the Proteas. The
final match is at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday before the
three-test series begins in Dunedin on March 7.