Styris & Hayward Join Middlesex

Middlesex have signed New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris and re-signed South African fast bowler Nantie Hayward as their overseas players for next season.

Styris will be a newcomer to county cricket in 2005 but has toured England with his country and overall has a good International record where he averages 42.88 with the bat at Test level and 50.25 with the ball, while his one-day international batting average is 27.93 and he has taken 84 wickets in that format at 31.30 apiece.

"Scott is a solid and dependable International player" said John Emburey, Middlesex's Head Coach. "We needed to add depth to our batting and Scott gives us that. Added to that, he's a more than useful bowler. He's very strong in one-day cricket and will make a very good third of fourth seamer.".

"As for Nantie, we believe he will become a match-winning bowler." Emburey admitted Hayward had "disappointed with his return of wickets" in 2004 - Hayward managed just 31 first-class wickets at an average of 29.61. But Emburey added "He's a bowler of pace and will become a match-winning bowler. The pitches didn't help his style of bowling and Lord's is particularly flat. But, without a doubt, we saw enough to snap him up for next season."


Speaking from Bangladesh, Scott said, "I am delighted to have the opportunity to play County cricket next season especially for Middlesex at the Home of Cricket. Although I know it be tough, I am really looking forward to the challenge of helping Middlesex be successful in both forms of the game."

Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive, stated "We are hoping that Scott will be available for the whole season, and continuity is important, particularly after so many comings and goings last season. However, it is possible, though as yet unconfirmed, that New Zealand may tour Zimbabwe next August, so we'll just have to deal with that if and when the time comes".

Posted by Richard