Styris retires from Kiwi duty

New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The 35-year-old's decision brings the curtain down on a 12-year career with the Black Caps, which included 29 Test matches, 188 one-day internationals and 31 Twenty20 matches.

Styris played his last Test match in 2007 but was a member of New Zealand's World Cup squad this year and his final appearance in national colours came in the semi-final defeat to Sri Lanka in Colombo, where the veteran top-scored for his side with 57. He said on www.blackcaps.co.nz: "I have thoroughly enjoyed representing my country in the international cricketing environment."

He added: "It has been an honour and a pleasure to play for the Black Caps alongside so many quality players over the years and to have been a part of many key moments during that time."

Reflecting on some of the highlights of his international career, Styris, who made his Test debut against West Indies in 2002, said: "Winning the Champions Trophy in Kenya was awesome given it was also the first time the Black Caps won an ICC event.

"It was also memorable to score a hundred and take wickets on my Test debut, knowing it contributed to a historic series win."

Styris is currently representing Essex in the Friends Life t20 competition and will continue to play domestic cricket for the Northern Knights in New Zealand and the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

"I really enjoy the T20 format of the game and see it as a way to stay involved in cricket for another year or two if I can," he said.

"Not being on the international circuit means more time at home and I'm really looking forward to spending more time with my family."

Styris scored 1,586 runs at 36.04 and took 20 wickets at 50.75 in Tests, while in ODIs he finished with 4,483 runs at 32.48 and 137 wickets at 35.32. In T20 internationals he scored 578 runs and took 18 wickets.