CRICKET/Ireland v New Zealand:IRELAND HAVE received a considerable boost ahead of their opening Super Eights clash against New Zealand at Trent Bridge today (1.30pm) with news that big-hitters Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor have been ruled out through injury.

Ryder, who played twice for Ireland as an overseas professional, may be forced out of the tournament with what New Zealand team manager Dave Currie described as “a significant infection”. The opening batsman remained under observation at a London hospital yesterday while the rest of the squad travelled to Nottingham. Taylor, one of the stars of the recent Indian Premier League season, will be rested after he suffered a hamstring twinge against South Africa on Tuesday.

A decision will be made on skipper Daniel Vettori’s shoulder injury this morning, but all-rounder James Franklin is expected to play after a scan showed no great damage after he suffered a twinge in his knee.

The Black Caps have called up Otago batsman Aaron Redmond, who has been playing club cricket in England.

Phil Simmons has far less worries with Niall O’Brien and Trent Johnston expected to play despite missing last night’s game against India. O’Brien’s ankle tendon injury, picked up in the victory over Bangladesh, has improved significantly with treatment, while Johnston was rested after jarring his left shoulder in the same game.