Cricket: Styris pulls stumps on career

Scott Styris. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Scott Styris today announced his retirement from International Cricket finishing a 12-year career with the Black Caps.

The Northern Knights all-rounder played his first match on the 1999 tour of India and his last in the semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 against Sri Lanka.

Styris, 35, said that following the World Cup he has had time to reflect on his international future and has decided the time is right to step aside as the team begins a new era.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed representing my country in the international cricketing environment. It has been an honour and a pleasure to play for the Black Caps alongside so many quality players over the years and to have been a part of many key moments during that time" said Styris.

Styris noted being part of the Black Caps team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000 in Kenya and the history making New Zealand Test series in the West Indies in 2002 as career highlights.

A memorable debut came in the second Test of that series with Styris, batting at number eight, hitting a century that helped the team to a draw and ultimately clinch the series.

"Winning the Champions Trophy in Kenya was awesome given it was also the first time the Black Caps won an ICC event. It was also memorable to score a hundred and take wickets on my Test debut, knowing it contributed to an historic series win."

Styris will continue to play domestic cricket for the Northern Knights and the Chennai Super Kings.

"I really enjoy the T20 format of the game and see it as a way to stay involved in cricket for another year or two if I can.

"Not being on the international circuit means more time at home and I'm really looking forward to spending more time with my family.

"I would like to thank my family and everyone at New Zealand Cricket, Northern Districts Cricket and fans for all their help and support over the years. It would not have been possible to play at this level over this period of time without it".

New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan was full of praise for the long serving Black Cap.

"Scott has been a key part of the Black Caps unit with both bat and ball since his debut over a decade ago," said Vaughan.

"He has been one of our most consistent performers - a real "go-to" man in big games - and someone who always seemed to play his best under pressure. His competitive attitude and leadership he demonstrated while in the Black Caps team unit will be missed.

"I know what a tough decision this will have been for him as he took so much pleasure and pride in playing for his country.

"However, we support his decision to retire from international cricket - it has been signaled for some time - and it is good news that his fans will still get a chance to see him playing for the Northern Knights in the HRV Cup this coming summer."

Styris is currently playing cricket for Essex in the Friends Life T20 competition.

- HERALD ONLINE