Styris pleased to be at Sussex

The 36-year-old, who has had county stints with Durham, Middlesex and Essex, said: “There were other considerations elsewhere but I wanted to stay in the south. I enjoy it down here so I was happy to come here. It was an easy decision for myself and my family to make.”

Styris added: “I guess one of the attractions of coming to Sussex was the record that Mike (Yardy) mentioned, that they are a successful side. Coming to a successful side is a lot easier than a struggling team where they expect a lot more.”

Styris has played more than 200 limited overs matches for his native New Zealand, racking up more than 5,000 runs in the process. Styris has also played in the Indian Premier League for both the Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings, experiences which he says were invaluable.

He said: “The best part is you’re sharing a changing room with guys from every other nation and you get lots of information on how to bowl to their own players.

“Just picking guys brains on how to attack different situations during a match is a great experience and broadens your knowledge.”

If it wasn’t for a soggy outfield at Canterbury last night (Tuesday, June 12), Styris would have made his t20 debut for the Sharks against Kent Spitfires. Instead, the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Styris will be hoping for a better forecast when Sussex host Hampshire at Hove tomorrow evening (June 14).