You could say I took the piss out of a pisshead.

You call also call the Jesse’s had a reputation for having a bit of fun too.

Regardless of the past, it clear that right now he is happy to simply do his job.

In fact, he’s making it look quite easy.  Yep, Easy Ryder.

A maiden test century last test and now an unbeaten 137 with the distinct possibility of more to come.

What’s just as impressive is his consistency which naturally leads to an impressive average.  Check out his stats at Cricinfo.

In 14 test innings, he’s now hit 2 tons and 4 half centuries.  Not surprisingly, his test average is over 50 (and will increase after his second ton).

His ODI average is also pretty healthy, a touch under 40.

Without knowing the details, it’s hard to work out who’s been helping out in the background.  Having said that he still has to make it happen when it matters and that’s exactly what he’s been doing.

One interesting aspect to the double century partnership between Ryder and Ross Taylor was that it showed a significant cultural change for the NZ cricket team.

Two bros – one Maori, one Samoan – were out there doing the business for NZ cricket.

All power to them and let’s hope it’s a sign of things to come, both for NZ cricket and for both the players.

And Jesse – cheers mate!

Indeed, Jesse has become somewhat of a fan favourite as a result of his nocturnal activities.

My attitude is starting to change a bit.

Earlier this week, I was happy to put the blame on Jesse – he is no more or no less than a pisshead.  The reaction from the equally pissed idiots in the crowd underline this.

However, for the high and mighty to get all concerned about Jesse’s behaviour is in most case hypocrisy at the best.

We are a nation of pissheads.

Our sports teams are sponsored by companies who brew, market and want to sell us their beer here.

Our sports teams willingly take this money – think the ongoing sponsorship of the All Blacks by Steinlager.

Our bars welcome our sports heroes to encourage the despos in the world to hang around and get drunk with their aforementioned heroes.

We celebrate drinking to excess – the yard glass is enshrined in our coming of age.

Yet we somehow expect that our sporting stars won’t be influenced by this heritage.

If cricket was serious about drinking issues, perhaps they would consider banning the consumption of alcohol at cricket matches?  I can only imagine their response.

Jesse has been hung out to dry (intentional pun in case you are both wondering).  I’m no expert but I think we throw the title alcoholic around too easily.

In my book, an alcoholic is someone who is addicted to drinking every day.  Jesse is a binge drinker who doesn’t know when to stop once he gets started and is simply adding to the rich fabric of our heritage of binge drinking.

Yes, alcohol has impaired his performance as a cricketer.  But unless we accept that this is a reflection of our society – and less a reflection of Jesse Ryder – it’s inevitable that we will see repeat episodes even if the characters name changes.

Before we get too bloody sanctimonious, let’s not forget that NOT getting pissed used to be the biggest possible problem for cricketers.

Boonie’s legend isn’t based so much on his opening batting, his skills at short leg or his contribution as a selector … it was his ability to throw back the cans on the trip from Oz to London that lead him to gaining legend status.

Let’s also not forget that the previous NZ cricket captain and part time advertising star also dabbled in the odd bit of after game rest and recreation without affecting his long term career.

Jesse Ryder can’t be totally blamed.  He’s just a pisshead cricketer. I’m tempted to check the elecotoral role to see if his occupation is listed as pisshead and cricket is just a hobby.

I’ve finally come around to the view that professional sports people aren’t role models.

That’s not to say they don’t have responsibilities.

As a professional, Ryder must accept that he owes it to his mates, the sponsors, and the public to turn up when required and in a state to do what is expected of him.

Mind you, when compared to some of the meathead rugby players, it’s a minor indescretion – in the AB’s, he’d be fast tracked in the leadership group given he hasn’t (as far as we know) beaten up anyone or pissed in a public place.  OK, he smashed up a toilet but that’s been flushed out of his system (sorry, more toilet humour).

You can guranatee that Jamie How now wishes he’d really gone out on the large BIG TIME to give the selector’s a different reason for not selecting him.

Given the importance of Ryder to the long term success of the team, it’s no surprise he’s only been dished out a one game punishment.

Anyway, let’s hope the marketers get on to this one.  Instead of those insipid Coke promos where you get to have a boring BBQ with a couple of AB’s, how bout one of the breweries cashes in has a promo where the winners get to go on the piss with Jesse.

At least it beats watching the cricket!