CRICKET: Styris says so long

Styris, always solid

He wasn't the most handsome cricketer of his time, nor one would say the smartest.  Adam Parore often affectionately likened him to an animal known for eating and wallowing in its own excrement... 'pig'.  Yet, in truth, that's the type of player Styris was.  Fearless and fighting to the end, no matter what was thrown at him.  So often he would come in when we were hip-deep in it, and save us.  That was when he was at his best.  When he was in the filth.  Like a pig.    

Sadly, Styris recently announced his correct decision to retire.  Not correct with regards to his form (which is still top notch), but correct because he demands to be selected, curtailing opportunities of others that need to take over.  Much will be missed from the pignancious right armer.  The grimace, the scoul and the snort.  The man never afraid to stick his face into it.

Vettori also annoucned his decision to semi stand-down from limited overs cricket... until maybe a little bit before the next world cup.  If this eventuates, it will be well worth the sacrifice, as his presence at that fixture would be as invaluable as his bowling is in that form of the game.  It will also give Taylor a bit of breathing space as the new captain, allowing him to establish his own leadership on the team, without the veteran captain standing in the shadows.  

O'Brien also announced he's returning to NZ in an effort to make the Black Caps once again.  It was a shot through the chest when he announced his previous retirement, having just found some much needed form for the test team.  Interest will be to see whether he still has it.  At 34, his time is short, and there are wasted years to make up. 

Southee also proclaimed batting prowess for Essex in the County Twenty20 competition.  The man known as 'the pest' scored a powerful 74 off 34 in an unforgiving knock as an opener.  Could this be a future option for the Black Caps?  Probably not, but it was good for a giggle.