Styris joins Foxes for T20 Blast

Leicestershire Foxes have signed Scott Styris, the vastly experienced New Zealand allrounder, as their second overseas player for the NatWest T20 Blast.

The move for Styris has been agreed but is subject to visa approval. Leicestershire have described the securing of a deal with Styris, who has enjoyed IPL stints with Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers, as "a massive coup" as they plan for their opening home game against Derbyshire on May 16.

Styris, unsold in the 2014 IPL auction but a finalist in two of the last four years in English T20, hit the headlines in 2012 when striking a world record 38 runs in an over for Sussex against Gloucestershire in the quarterfinal of the English domestic competition. His unbeaten century off 37 deliveries was the joint third fastest of all time.

He is closing in on 4,000 career runs in the T20 format and has a strike rate of 134.92 from 170 innings. Although now an elder statesman, he also offers a decent medium pace option and has picked up 113 wickets at an impressive economy rate of under 7.5 an over.

"I'm excited to sign for Leicestershire Foxes for the NatWest T20 Blast this season," he said. "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 I hope to add value with my skills and knowledge of the T20 game."

Leicestershire's director of cricket Phil 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."