By Callum Dent
Leicestershire Foxes have pulled off a coup by securing the signing of New Zealand international Scott Styris as their second overseas player for the NatWest T20 Blast, subject to visa approval.
The 38-year-old all-rounder, who has played 31 Twenty20s for the Black Caps, will be available for the entire group stage of the competition, which starts on May 16 against Derbyshire Falcons.
Styris has starred in England in the past, hitting a world-record 38 runs off an over en route to the joint-third fastest century - off just 37 balls - in Sussex Sharks’ Friends Life t20 quarter-final victory over Gloucestershire in 2012.
He is closing in on 4,000 runs in the shortest format and has a strike rate of 134.92 from 170 innings.
Styris, who has also picked up 113 wickets at an economy rate of under 7.5 an over, said: “I'm excited to sign for Leicestershire Foxes for the NatWest T20 Blast this season.
“Having played in two finals days in the last four years, I feel I have unfinished business in English T20 cricket and want to play a key role for a successful Foxes campaign.
“I love playing in England and am looking forward to working with Phil (Whitticase), Josh (Cobb) and the team over the next few months. I hope to add value with my skills and knowledge of the T20 game.”
Director of cricket Whitticase said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve managed to get a high-profile player like Scott as our second overseas player.
“His record is second-to-none and I’m looking forward to him playing a key role in our side. Scott has vast experience and knowledge and that will be a big help to Josh and the team.”
Chief executive Mike Siddall added: “I'm delighted we have signed Scott. His track record as a T20 all-rounder is superb and with a strike rate of 134 Leicestershire fans can expect some big hitting during our NatWest T20 Blast campaign."