Sparky

New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has retired from Test cricket, saying he wants to focus on one-day internationals and Twenty20.

"I'd like to play another World Cup and if I'm to get through to it something has to give," said the 32-year-old.

Styris has played 29 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 1,586 runs at an average of 36.04.

He has made five centuries, with a high score of 170, but was dropped before last month's series against Bangladesh.

Styris has also played 142 one-day internationals, scoring 3,440 runs at an average of 33.074 with four hundreds and a high score of 141.

His announcement comes just a week after fast bowler Shane Bond confirmed his retirement to join the rebel Indian Cricket League.

Styris is expected to join the exodus of retired Test stars joining the lucrative Indian Premier League, although he said that was not the motivation for his decision to quit Tests.


I want to play for New Zealand for as long as I can... the easiest thing for me was to give up the Test match side of the game

Scott Styris

"The decision has been based around playing as long as I can for New Zealand," he said.

"With the amount of injuries I'm getting, if I don't knock something on the head I won't be around in 12 months' time.

"I want to play for New Zealand for as long as I can. The easiest thing for me was to give up the Test match side of the game."