Ryder challenges McMillan to boxing match

Jesse Ryder has challenged former New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan to a charity boxing match next month as he continues to work on his physical and mental rehabilitation. However, there is more to the challenge. McMillan had blamed Ryder for New Zealand's defeat in third Twenty20 against South Africa in February. Ryder top scored with 52 in the chase but New Zealand went down by three runs, and McMillan claimed that Ryder had slowed down to reach his half-century, costing his team the momentum and the match. Ryder, who took a break from international cricket in March but recently played in the IPL for Pune Warriors, said he was looking forward to McMillan participating.

"Craig's quite a competitive guy and, I imagine, quite a tough opponent," Ryder said in the New Zealand Herald. "It will be good if he takes part. There were a few things he said in the media about being selfish so I want him to step up and help me get back.

"Craig hammered Jesse in the media, now he has the chance to put his chin where his mouth is," the event promoter said. Looks like this war of words might just have to be settled in the ring.