Troubled New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder is taking time out from cricket to work on some personal issues a week after he was dropped from the Blacks Caps for breaking team booze rules.

Ryder and paceman Doug Bracewell were dropped for the final one-day international against South Africa after going out drinking following the side’s loss to South Africa in Napier last Wednesday.

Team rules prohibit injured players from drinking as it inhibits recovery.

Ryder was due to play for Wellington against Northern Districts on Friday but requested leave to focus on his wellbeing.

His manager Aaron Klee confirmed Ryder had withdrawn from the match after a collective decision made by the player, Klee, his psychologist, Cricket Wellington and players’ association boss Heath Mills.

Klee told the Dominion Post he hoped Ryder would be available for Wellington selection again this season but said the player had been hurt by criticism from former international Craig McMillan.

McMillan blamed Ryder for New Zealand’s defeat in the deciding Twenty20 match against South Africa, claiming the left-hander let self interest take precedence over the team cause as he took his time to bring up his half-century.

“That criticism would hurt anyone. He wasn’t just questioning Jesse’s batting, he was questioning his integrity,” Klee told the paper.

Cricket Wellington boss Peter Clinton said Ryder needed time away from the game.

“It’s no secret that Jesse’s had a rough past fortnight, and the advice from professionals associated with his care is that he’s just not in the right frame of mind for first-class cricket,” Clinton told APNZ.

“We’re very aware of the pressures that Jesse is under, and we support him taking a break if that’s what’s required to help him through this.”

Ryder, 27, has had a string of drink-related issues in the past, including badly cutting his hand after trying to get into a toilet at a Christchurch bar in 2008.