New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder out of coma and talking after brutal assault

New Zealand's Jesse Ryder is in a critical condition in Christchurch Hospital after suffering severe head injuries in a late-night assault (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)

New Zealand cricketer is now out of an induced coma and talking, according to his manager Aaron Klee.

The 28-year-old has been in Christchurch Hospital since the early hours of Thursday morning after suffering serious multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, in an assault outside a bar.

Ryder was admitted in a critical condition and put into an induced coma, although showed early signs of recovery, yesterday giving doctors a thumbs-up, according to Klee.

His manager today said: "Jesse's condition has improved to the extent that he is now out of the induced coma and off the ventilator.

"Jesse is awake and talking to us, but he is obviously still working through the immediate effects from being in the coma and the drugs the medical team have been using.

"Naturally we are thrilled with this progress.

"This is only the start of the recovery process for Jesse and there is still a big battle ahead to full health, but the progress is positive."

Police have arrested two men, a 20-year-old and a 37-year-old, in connection to the incident and they are due to appear in court on April 4 charged with assault.

Ryder, who has had a controversial career so far, marred by a series of off-field incidents, was in self-imposed international exile but was due to fly out to India this week in order to play for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

The powerful left-handed batsman has played in 18 Tests and 39 one-day internationals for New Zealand although his last appearance came in an ODI against South Africa in February 2012.