Scott Styris is emblematic of New Zealand cricket's most endearing qualities — resilience, understatedness, and an ability to display unflinching courage in the face of a scrap. After three years on the road with Deccan Chargers, the gritty all-rounder now dons the yellow colour of Chennai Super Kings in IPL-4. The shift, however, seems to have been easy for the mild-mannered Kiwi.
“It (transition) has been very smooth. I was wondering what to expect as it was a settled squad. But the guys here have made sure that I feel at home. It's been a fantastic experience so far”.
The 35-year-old is also impressed by the Dhoni-Fleming combine's modus operandi. “I have obviously played a lot under Stephen. He is a very good thinker of the game and does a great job of holding the team together. But on the field, MS (Dhoni) is the leader. They complement each other really well.”
Styris' cheerful disposition is replaced by a slow shake of the head when a mention is made to New Zealand's defeat in the World Cup semi-finals. “I know not many people gave us a chance. But we honestly thought when we went into the semi-finals we could win the World Cup. Sadly we couldn't make it,” rues the veteran of 188 one-day internationals, who incidentally has a very good World Cup record.
Positive changes
Quiz him on John Buchanan's appointment as the Director of Cricket for New Zealand and Styris hopes the former Australian coach can usher in positive changes. “I am not sure what his role is going to be but he has obviously had a lot of success with the Aussies. It will be wonderful if he can create the same kind of success in New Zealand.”
Despite a preference for batting at the top, the Brisbane-born Styris has made pivotal contributions to his national side in the middle order. A similar brief has been mandated to him in the Super Kings dug-out. “My role in the side is that of a floater,” he reveals.
An advantage
“Batting at the top definitely is an advantage as there is time to play yourself in. But I am happy to move up or down the order depending on the requirements of the team in a given situation.” Styris is also geared to do a “holding, restricting job” with his skiddy medium stuff.
On the team's indifferent fielding form, he is optimistic that the hard work during the practice sessions will come to fruition. “Fleming and MS have been very particular about an improved performance in that area. The boys are putting in the hard yards and the results will soon be there for everyone to see”.
Scotty clearly seems to be having a ball in Chennai. “The crowds in India, especially in Chennai, have been exceptional. It's been great interacting with them. There is so much passion and following for the sport here”, he signs off.
