Styris retires from international cricket

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Scott Styris, the New Zealand allrounder, has announced his retirement from all international cricket. Styris, who will turn 36 next month, had retired from Tests in 2008, but continued playing one-day and Twenty20 internationals for New Zealand, and was part of their run to the semi-final during the 2011 World Cup. With 4483 runs from 188 ODIs, Styris is New Zealand's sixth-highest run-getter in ODIs. He scored four centuries in the format and also took 137 wickets with his medium pace fare. He played 29 Tests and scored five centuries.

His retirement comes at a time when New Zealand have just appointed a new captain in Ross Taylor. Styris said he reflected on his future after the World Cup and decided it was time for him to step aside as the team began a new era.

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

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

After the World Cup, Styris flew to India to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Despite playing just two matches in their season, he said he intended to continue playing Twenty20 cricket in domestic competitions. "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." He is currently playing for Essex in the Friends Life t20 in England and will play for Northern Knights in the HRV Cup in New Zealand later in the year.

Styris, an integral part of New Zealand's one-day side during the early 2000s, was in and out of the team between 2008 and 2010, but eventually made it to the squad for the 2011 World Cup. He could not however conjure up the form he had shown in previous World Cups; he averaged 45.75 in the 2003 edition, and scored a hundred and four fifties, in addition to taking nine wickets, in the 2007 edition.

Though New Zealand have had a disappointing run in the recent past, Styris has been part of some important successes. He noted winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000, in Kenya, and scoring a hundred on Test debut at Port of Spain, in a series that ended up being New Zealand's first Test series victory in the West Indies, as the highlights of his career. "Winning the Champions Trophy in Kenya was awesome given it was also the first time New Zealand won an ICC event. It was also memorable to score a hundred and take wickets on my Test debut, knowing it contributed to a historic series win."

New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan said he was aware Styris' departure was imminent for some time, and that the team would miss his consistency. "Scott has been one of our most consistent performers and a real go-to man in big games," Vaughan said. "He was someone who always seemed to play his best under pressure. His competitive attitude and the leadership he demonstrated while in the New Zealand team will be missed.

"However, we support his decision to retire from international cricket. It has been signalled for some time."


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