Jesse Ryder out of ICU

Christchurch, March 31 (IANS): New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder was Sunday taken out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in his first public statement since waking up from induced coma said he is “OK”.

Ryder, who suffered severe head injuries in a fight outside a local bar three days ago, is in stable condition and was shifted to the general ward at the Christchurch hospital.

“I just want to let everyone know that I’m OK,” Ruder said in a statement released to the local media.

“I feel heaps better today but still really tired. I’ve been reading your messages that have been sent so thank you to everyone for thinking of me over the last few days.

“I want to thank everyone who has been caring for me at the hospital – they have been awesome. Thank you to my family and friends who have been here also.”

Ryder’s manager Aaron Klee said there would be no further updates on the player’s condition.

“It is time for Jesse to focus on his recovery and getting back to full health,” he said.

The left-hander, who was slated to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Delhi Daredevils, is able to talk but has no memory of the life-threatening attack.

He woke up Saturday after being in induced coma for three days.

Police investigating the incident Friday confirmed that two men — a 20-year-old and a 37-year-old who are related — would appear in court April 4 after being charged with assault.