Troubled batsman Jesse Ryder says he’s not ready to return to international cricket, despite scoring his third century of the season in New Zealand’s domestic first-class competition.

He scored 162 from 174 balls for his Wellington province against Central Districts on Tuesday, taking his tally of runs for the season to 530 at an average of 106.

But Ryder told reporters later that despite being in top form, he has “things to work on” before he considers returning to the New Zealand team.

Ryder has not played for New Zealand since February last year when he was censured for breaking team rules on alcohol.

He said he is “still trying to be happy again and find a love for the game again and stay on that sort of path”.