Styris confident of beating Australia

Scott Styris, the New Zealand allrounder who has joined the squad for the remainder of the Commonwealth Bank Series, senses a growing confidence in the New Zealand camp after their strong performance in recent ODIs. Styris, who recovered from a back injury, has replaced Hamish Marshall in the squad and is likely to take Craig McMillan's spot for the game against Australia at the MCG on Sunday.

New Zealand came close to beating Australia in their last two games at Sydney and Perth and Styris was confident that they could go the distance at the MCG on Sunday. "Absolutely, and I think the Australians think that as well," Styris told AFP. "But we have to play well. I think if we continue to build like we have done over the past seven days then it should be a good few games. The boys have put three good performances in a row and I'm sure they're looking for four, five and beyond. I've got to not be a passenger, if you like, if I get that opportunity."

Jacob Oram has been in fantastic form since he joined the squad and Lou Vincent scored two fifties in his first two games. "I guess New Zealand were just stuttering along before they did arrive," said Styris. "A couple new faces and a bit of an injection of good form can do wonders for a team. I think the three performances they've put together have been testament to those two guys."