Styris to join Durham

New Zealand all rounder Scott Styris is set to join English county Durham for a two-month stint as their overseas professional from 1 June.

Styris, the best performing New Zealand batsman at the recent World Cup scored 499 runs at an average of 83.66 and took nine wickets at 26.88.

His county contract with Middlesex ended abruptly last year with a back injury. Fortunately for New Zealand, he recovered in time for the World Cup.

Blackcaps General Manager Lindsay Crocker acknowledged that Styris might risk injury but he felt it was worth the risk. “There is always the risk of guys getting injured but we are happy with his fitness, and that’s why we have cleared him to go,” Crocker told NZPA.

During his two months with Durham Styris will compete in the English Twenty20 competition. This could prove to be an ideal build up for Styris for the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup later this year.