Cricketer critical after late night attack

New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder is in a critical condition after reportedly being bashed. Source: AFP

NEW Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder is in a critical condition in a Christchurch hospital this morning after reportedly being beaten up.

The middle-order batsman is understood to have a fractured skull and is in intensive care.

New Zealand news agencies are reporting this morning a man, believed to be Ryder, was beaten up last night outside a fast food restaurant.

Police are expected to hold a press conference soon to confirm details.

The well-known New Zealand cricketer was due to fly to India tomorrow to join the Indian Premier League.

The burly left-hander's manager Aaron Klee took to Twitter to thank people for their support.

"Thanks for the calls and msgs of support for Jesse. Just heading to Chch to see him," Klee wrote.

Ryder is in a self-imposed exile from international cricket and hadn't played for the national team in more than a year.

He last played Test cricket for the Black Caps in 2011 in their series against Australia, and last took to a one-day international field last year against South Africa.

Ryder's career has been punctuated by numerous off-field incidents, often involving alcohol.

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Night at the footy one in 2.3 million

EVERYONE'S A WINNER: Daryl Smith celebrates his Keno win with his wife Donna and daughters Tamara Kampf, Shannan Waddups and Jodi Smith. Picture: Liam Kidston Source: The Courier-Mail

FOR Daryl Smith it was a Saturday night like any other - but then Monday came.

Having watched his beloved Broncos lose an NRL trial match against the Gold Coast at Redcliffe's Dolphin Oval, it didn't seem like luck was on his side.

But on Monday the used car salesman realised this was a weekend he would never forget after learning he had won a $2.33 million Keno jackpot.

"We watched the game and went around to the club," Mr Smith said. "I had a Keno ticket that had won $22, so I put $50 with it and put my usual numbers on for 72 games."

Enjoying a night out with his wife, Donna, at Redcliffe Leagues Club, Mr Smith missed the draws and did not know he had become a millionaire.

It wasn't until his daughter Tamara, 37, mentioned in passing that she had heard the jackpot had gone off at Redcliffe on Saturday night that the family thought they would check their ticket.

"We collected the ticket and took it in to Fitzy's at Loganholme for checking," Mrs Smith said.

"That's when we found out.

"We got the family together and drove to Daryl's work to tell him the good news. We've survived as a family and now we can celebrate as a family."

Mr Smith added: "If Tamara didn't mention it to Donna, I may not have checked the ticket for a week or more."

When asked what's next for the lucky duo, the couple hesitated.

Mr Smith said: "It's our 40th wedding anniversary in June. We might take a trip.

"We'll also pay off the (three) girls' mortgages."

They will be well looked after. It's a gesture his three daughters didn't expect but appreciate.

The generous Broncos fan is also hoping to make a visit to his lucky charm, the attendant who sold him his ticket at Redcliffe Leagues Club.

"The fellow asked Daryl how he was and Daryl said 'I'd be better if I could win this'," Mrs Smith said.

Mr Smith said: "He wished me luck and said I'd win it.

"I've got the attendant's name on the ticket. He doesn't know me and I don't know him but I'm going to catch up with him and give him $500."

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