N.Z.'s Styris ends international career

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WELLINGTON: New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris announced his retirement from international cricket Friday, saying he wanted to concentrate on the domestic Twenty20 competition and the Indian Premier League.

Styris said the Black Caps were entering a new era under captain Ross Taylor, who was appointed this week, and the time was right to leave the international arena.

The 35-year-old, who is currently playing T20 for English county side Essex, said he would continue to play domestic cricket for New Zealand's Northern Knights 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 played 29 Tests and 188 one-day internationals, the last of which was New Zealand's World Cup semi-final loss to Sri Lanka in Colombo in March.

He nominated New Zealand's ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2000 and a century against the West Indies on his Test debut in 2002, which helped secure the Black Caps' first series win in the Caribbean, as career highlights.