Police in Christchurch, New Zealand have arrested a suspect in the brutal beating of Cricketer Jesse Ryder and charged the 20-year old suspect with Assault.  They’re apparently also looking for another suspect.

28-year old Ryder is in critical condition and according to some reports is “fighting for his life”.  He remains in a medically induced coma.

Witnesses say Ryder was drinking in a bar in the Merivale area, but was not drunk and there was no drama.

But outside, two to four suspects repeatedly punched and kicked Ryder and tore off his shirt.  He was left crumpled over in the car park next door, bleeding and vomiting and suffering head injuries.  The beating was captured on CCTV and the bar is working with police.  By all accounts, the vicious attack was complete unprovoked.

Ryder has been scheduled to fly to India tomorrow to take up a $260,000 contract with the Daredevils in the India Premier League.

The suspect is due in court on 4 April.