Wellington, Apr. 2 : Jesse Ryder has been officially declared New Zealand''s number one Test batsman.

According to a Dominion Post report, Ryder''s magnificent 201 in Napier, on the back of his equally controlled century in Hamilton, has catapulted his world ranking to 30 after just eight tests.

Averaging 64 in Test cricket, Ryder yesterday inked a long-term sponsorship deal with Gray Nicolls to add to his lucrative IPL contract.

Batting mentor John Wright will be shuddering at the news that Ryder has been handed a double-sided bat, but the man himself is confident his rising stardom won''t affect him.

"Everything''s going pretty full on at the moment but it''s for a good cause and not a bad cause, for a change," the 24-year-old said in reference to his battle with the bottle.

Ryder attributes his hot form to support from New Zealand coach Andy Moles and Wright, two level-headed former opening batsmen.

"Andy Moles has been a great support for me, just lets me play my game. John Wright is another one that''s been helping with my batting, he''s always in my ear, `Play straight, play straight'' every ball and that''s what I''ve been trying to focus on while I''ve been batting. It''s been working for me," he added.

If Ryder can hit another century at the Basin Reserve in the third test starting tomorrow, he will become the first Kiwi to reach the milestone in three successive tests. (ANI)