Rising

New Zealand international Scott Styris has announced his retirement from Test cricket.

Styris' decision is the second setback for the Black Caps in quick succession after captain Daniel Vettori was earlier ruled out of next week's two Twenty20 internationals against England having failed to recover from injury

The 32-year-old retires with a Test average of 36.04 from his 29 matches but will continue to be available to play in one-day internationals and Twenty20 cricket.

"The rigours of international cricket have become increasingly demanding and I would like to extend my career by focusing on shorter versions of the game," Styris said.

"I had originally planned to retire from Test cricket at the end of the National Bank Series (against England) but decided to bring the decision forward out of fairness to the selectors and other players.

"The decision has been coming for a few months and I have been in regular contact with the selectors in relation to this decision.

"I have found the niggles and injuries associated with the longer form of the game were making it difficult for me to get on to the park.

"I'm really enjoying both one-day and Twenty20 cricket and am looking forward to being heavily involved with the Black Caps on our journey to the World Cup in 2011."

Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Vettori, the most economical bowler in last year's ICC World Twenty20 Championships, has failed to recover from an ankle injury sustained in training last week.

The 28-year-old has been ruled out of both Twenty20 matches and could be doubtful for the opener in the five-match one-day international series in Wellington next Saturday.

Hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum will lead the side in Vettori's absence, and off-spinner Jeetan Patel has already been called into the Twenty20 squad as cover.

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