Quiet man Styris happy to emerge from the shadows

GROS ISLET, St. Lucia, Mar 17 (Reuters) New Zealand match-winner Scott Styris said the competition for places within the side had spurred him on to score an unbeaten 87 and take two wickets in the World Cup win over England.

The all-rounder is not the biggest name in the New Zealand team but he was pleased to show his worth in the six-wicket Group C victory, especially with in-form batsman Peter Fulton unlucky to miss out on a place in the side.

''I haven't played very well since I came back from a back injury so it is great to contribute,'' Styris told reporters yesterday.

''I knew the heat was on me to go out and deliver. It is the sign of a good side when you can't take your position for granted.'' Asked if opposition sides underestimated him because of his quiet manner, the 31-year-old said: ''I've been around for a while. I don't have a point to prove to anyone.'' With Michael Vaughan's men lumbering to 209 for seven, Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming said the bowling of paceman Shane Bond and removing England's middle order in quick succession was key to the victory.

''Today was ideal to get the big guns, Flintoff and Pietersen, so quickly. It really cut down the 250 score,'' he said.

''It was a nervy, nervy win. It is a great relief to get the two points in the bank. This first game could have a massive bearing, certainly on the next stage.'' England captain Vaughan said New Zealand had put them under a lot of pressure with the ball and he bemoaned the fact that none of his players went on to score a century, a common problem in their one-day displays.

New Zealand were 72 for four at one stage in their chase but England could not capitalise.

''In the field we had a small sniff of an opportunity to beat them when they were four down,'' he said, before immediately looking ahead to the next match against Canada on Sunday.

''I think it is a good thing that we play so soon. We know the conditions here now. We will certainly be picking what we think is the best XI against Canada,'' he added.

REUTERS DH PM0644