Cricket: Styris cannot give up on Black Cap dream

By Terry Maddaford

TAUPO - Scott Styris is realistic enough to know he is up against two of the best in the world in challenging for a place in the New Zealand cricket team - but that will not stop him trying.

The Northern Districts allrounder backed up his last-match, unbeaten century with a huge bowling effort on the first day of the Shell Trophy clash with Otago at Owen Delany Park yesterday.

From his 19.5 overs, 23-year-old Styris bagged three for 20 as Otago crept their way to a first innings 153 in the first-ever first class game at the picturesque venue.

Northern, who seemed out of it as Otago openers Chris Gaffaney and Robbie Lawson helped themselves to 64 runs at better than a-run-a-minute, came back strongly.

However, they stuttered at the top of their innings as the Marshall twins, a day after their 20th birthday, were quickly sent packing by Shayne O'Connor. By stumps the home side had reached 53 for two from 18 overs.

Fate played its role in getting Styris to the bowling crease earlier than captain Robbie Hart had anticipated.

Graeme Aldridge lasted only three overs before limping off with a hamstring injury.

Grabbing his chance, Styris bowled three overs for just two runs in his first spell. He returned for two seven-over spells - the first surrendering 14 runs, the second none and including Michael Lamont's wicket - before finishing with two overs from one end and then five balls from the other for another two wickets.

"I'm primarily in the team to score runs," said Styris who took his career tally to 46 wickets. "But I was always going to bowl a few overs. With Graeme off, I probably got a few more."

Even so, Styris was not completely satisfied.

"I wasn't overly happy. There were three balls an over they did not have to play and some they did which did not get wickets."

The World Cup in his thinking?

"Sure, it's on my mind but I wish it wasn't. It makes the disappointment greater if you don't make it."

But he will not let that get in the way even if he knows that in Chris Harris and Gavin Larsen he is up against two of the best in the chase for a lower-order batting spot and a mid-innings bowling role.

"That makes it hard obviously," said Styris. "But I'll keep trying."

In Grant Bradburn and Daryl Tuffey, Styris had the perfect allies.

Bradburn sent down 23 overs of well-controlled off-spin - almost half of them maidens - to take two for 18 including Otago captain Lawson who hung around for 134 minutes for 30. Tuffey picked up four key wickets.

The later resistance from the middle and lower order was minimal. In one hour after lunch Otago added just five runs.