9 November 2009
The all-rounder has been a vital cog in the New Zealand set-up and he hopes to continue for as long as he can.
“I want to play as long as I can. I’m trying to improve and hopefully I can stand in this team. Having achieved what I wanted to achieve, it is important to strive even harder,” Styris said after the New Zealand squad’s practice session on Sunday afternoon.
Styris took an early retirement from Test cricket in February 2008 to prolong his career in the shorter formats of the game.
The Kiwi, despite failing with the bat in the second one-day international of the three-match Cool and Cool Cup at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, turned the match for New Zealand. The 34-year-old, who was introduced into the attack by captain Daniel Vettori, to get a few overs in with Pakistan chasing 304 for victory, snapped up three vital wickets. He grabbed two wickets in an over, that of Pakistan skipper Younis Khan and danger man Shahid Afridi and then Kamran Akmal in his next over. He finished with three for 23 from his four overs.
“I wasn’t expecting to be thrown the ball in the second ODI. I was surprised but I have always loved bowling. I have been an all-rounder throughout my career, so I loved the challenge,” said Styris.
New Zealand had lost the first match but drew level in the second to push the series to the decider on Monday.
“We knew we have to win back-to-back matches. They (Pakistan) are a fantastic side and they have players who can take the game away from us,” he said.
Styris is also enjoying the IPL experience. “The IPL is fantastic. It is great to enjoy and talk cricket with a lot of other players from around the world. We had (Shahid) Afridi from Pakistan, (Adam) Gilchrist and (Andrew) Symonds from Australia and (Herschelle) Gibbs from SA. It was good to learn with them as teammates and it was good to learn about different religions and ways of living,” said Styris, who plays for Deccan Chargers.
Despite the advent of Twenty20 cricket, Styris hoped Tests and ODIs will pull through.
“I don’t know if I agree with that. IPL can be part of the landscape of cricket but how far we can go with Twenty20, remains to be seen. It certainly is proving very popular but I would love Test cricket and ODI to survive. But I do think T20 has to play a key part in cricket,” he said.
