Styris joins confident NZ side by Cricket Archive Staff Reporter

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Player:	SB Styris, L Vincent, JDP Oram, CD McMillan
Event:	Commonwealth Bank Series 2006/07

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DateLine: 2nd February 2007

 

Versatile New Zealand batsman Scott Styris has only just arrived in Australia, but he says he has immediately sensed a growing confidence among his teammates. Styris is the latest player to augment the Black Caps triangular one-day series squad and hopes he can emulate the efforts of Jacob Oram and Lou Vincent, both of whom have been key contributors since joining the side. Speaking in Melbourne on Thursday, Styris was asked whether there was there was a strong belief among the New Zealanders that they could upset the unbeaten Australians, starting with their clash at the MCG on Sunday. "Absolutely, and I think the Australians think that as well," he said in Melbourne on Thursday. "But we have to play well. I think if we continue to build like we have done over the past seven days then it should be a good few games." Styris, 31, is expected to play in Sunday's game at the expense of Craig McMillan, although the latter has been a contributor during the tri-series with both bat and ball. If selected, Stryis said he needed to play to the level established by his teammates in their last four games, which have produced two wins and two narrow losses to Australia. "The boys have put three good performance in a row and I'm sure they're looking for four, five and beyond," he said. "I've got to not be a passenger, if you like, if I get that opportunity." Oram has been a revelation in his three games since arriving from New Zealand, while Vincent's first two games in the series have produced half-centuries. Styris, who has been sidelined by a back injury, hopes to continue the trend. "I guess New Zealand were just stuttering along before they did arrive," Styris said. "A couple new faces and a bit of an injection of good form can do wonders for a team. I think the three performances they've put together have been testament to those two guys." Styris is certainly capable of making a major impact, having scored three one-day international hundreds and taken 106 wickets.