FIRST TIMER STYRIS READY TO BLOOM FOR NEW ZEALAND

Hong Kong, October 27, 2010 – Pugnacious batsman Scott Styris will return from injury to lead a strong New Zealand squad in search of an elusive Cup victory at the Hong Kong Sixes next month.

Styris will spearhead a team that includes two other Black Caps – Darryl Tuffey and Nathan McCullum – in search of honours at the Karp Group/PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club on November 6-7.
"We have a nice mix of experienced internationals as well as seasoned campaigners in our domestic competition plus a couple of up-and-coming youngsters," said Styris.

A 29-test and 160 one-day international veteran, Styris has successfully recovered from a partial stress fracture to his lower back which ruled him out of New Zealand's recent tour to Bangladesh.

Logan van Beek and Harry Boam, two players who featured in the New Zealand Under-19 World Cup squad last year will provide a dash of young talent.

Apart from Tuffey and McCullum, the rest of the squad comprises a pair of experienced domestic players Carl Frauenstein and Kieran Noema-Barnett, with Styris picking the latter as one to watch out for.

"We have a very good side and one which can beat anyone," Styris said. "But I'm mindful of the fact that the other teams too have some top-quality players while Hong Kong has shown they can also be a threat. It will be tough, but we are coming there to win New Zealand its first Hong Kong Sixes title."

A more than useful all-rounder – he has 3,743 ODI runs and 125 wickets – the 35-year-old Styris revealed his immediate goals were to play in the World Cup next year as well as get another contract with in the Indian Premier League. He played for the Deccan Charges in his first three-year contract which ended this season.

"But my first aim is to see that New Zealand win the Hong Kong Sixes. This is my first visit. I missed out on the last two occasions due to other commitments, and I'm really llloking forward to it as I heard it is a fun but serious event," Styris added.

New Zealand is drawn in the preliminary Sobers Group with Indian, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Bradman Group comprises England, Australia, defending champions South Africa and last year's runners-up Hong Kong.

China will also make a debut appearance at the Hong Kong Sixes when the Asian Games-bound squad takes part in an exhibition match against a Hong Kong development team on the Sunday of the tournament.

Scott Styris (c) – Northern Knights
Daryl Tuffey – Auckland Aces
Nathan McCullum – Otago Volts
Carl Frauenstein – Canterbury Wizards
Logan van Beek - Canterbury Wizards
Harry Boam – Wellington Firebirds
Kieran Noema-Barnett – Central Stags

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