Scott Styris set to make debut

Profiles / Editor / 31 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

New Zealander Scott Styris looks set to make his debut for high-flying Durham in their Friends Provident Trophy clash with Worcestershire on Friday.

The Black Caps' all-rounder has been signed on a two-month deal and comes into a side second in the LV County Championship and third in the Friends Provident Trophy.

Friday's clash is the north east outfit's game in hand and they could move to the top of the Northern Conference table with victory over the Pears at the Riverside.

The market for Friday's 50-over clash has yet to develop but, with Worcestershire having won just twice in the competition this season, Durham will be confident of adding another scalp in what could be their breakthrough season after turning professional in 1992.

Coach Geoff Cook was delighted to have secured the services of the World Cup star and hopes he can ease the burden on the club's big-name stars.

"Dale Benkenstein and Michael Di Venuto have done brilliantly with the bat but we can't rely on them every game," said the former England batsman. "Styris is a quality addition to the squad and a player who will bring ability and experience to the batting line-up.

"He also gives us options as injuries last season put us down to the bare bones and made life difficult."

The market to win the competiton has also yet to develop but Cook hopes that his charges can keep up the good work and feature in the business end of proceedings.

"We need to consolidate on the good start we've made," he added. "If we beat Worcestershire we'll be well placed with only three Northern Conference games left.

"If we can win two or three of our last four group matches it should put us in the semi-finals, but we've got top sides Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire to play."