'An opportunity to strike' - Scott Styris on playing Australia

Most cricketers tremble at the thought of playing Australia. But Scott Styris is looking forward to it. New Zealand play Australia first in a virtual quarter-final in the ICC Champions Trophy, and then in an away Test series, and Styris believes that his team can win both times.

Speaking to the New Zealand Press Association news agency, Styris said: "They're well aware that we're a good side capable of beating them on our day. We've won nine or ten in a row so we have every chance of beating them."

New Zealand came close to defeating Australia on their last tour there, in 2001-02, eventually drawing a hard-fought series. After that only India, last season, managed to match the Australians at home. But Styris - who was born in Australia - said that New Zealand knew what they needed to do to win there.

"Their wickets are fantastic and the way they play the game is great," he said, "but if you can be disciplined against them you can do well. They try and bully and blow you away from the start but if you hang in and take them to day five their arrogance will force them to try and hurry it and maybe make a mistake. You can put pressure on them and frustrate them."

Styris concluded: "They have players who are coming to the end of fantastic careers and it could be an opportunity to strike."