NZ cricketer Jesse Ryder out of induced coma after attack

New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder has come out of a medically-induced coma, three days after he was attacked outside a bar in Christchurch.

He suffered serious injuries after being attacked twice in quick succession as he left the bar.

Ryder, 28, was still in intensive care but he was no longer on a ventilator and had been talking, his manager Aaron Klee said.

Two people have been charged with assault and are due in court next week.

The cricketer had been in Christchurch with team-mates after playing for Wellington Firebirds in a domestic one-day competition. He had been due to fly to Delhi to begin a $300,000 (£200,000) contract in the Indian Premier League.

His manager told a news conference that "Jesse is awake and talking to us" but added that while they were "absolutely thrilled with the progress", he had suffered very bad concussion and damage to his lungs.

"We're all pretty exhausted, it's been a pretty difficult few days, but having some wins over the last 24 hours has been a huge relief."

Ryder stopped playing international cricket for New Zealand in February last year after a series of alcohol-related problems. He had also had disciplinary lapses.

But police said while he had been drinking before the assault on Thursday morning, alcohol was not a factor.

The suspects charged with assaulting him, aged 20 and 37, are due to appear before Christchurch District Court on 4 April.