Nearly two years since he last donned the black helmet, Jesse Ryder is set to be given licence to light up Boxing Day with the endorsement of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, according to reports.
According to Stuff.co.nz, Ryder's name is expected to be among the 13 read out during the teabreak in the third test later today, in the squad for the first one-day international against West Indies, in Auckland, next Thursday.
The explosive left-hander last played for New Zealand in February 2012, against South Africa in Napier, before an array of off-field incidents intervened, the report said.
Most notable was a serious assault he suffered in Christchurch in March, then a subsequent six-month ban for taking a prohibited substance, the report added.
Since moving to Otago for a fresh start in October the runs flowed, and after a century and two 80s from his past five first-class innings, national coach Mike Hesson appears convinced enough to include the 29-year-old for his 40th ODI, the report further said.
McCullum said that he was a big fan of Ryder and his move down to Otago was the right one for him at the time, adding that he is doing a great job of scoring runs which is the only currency they deal in.