Styris looking to up intensity

Scott Styris has fond memories of the West Indies. It was there that he scored a century on Test debut and it was also where he established himself as a destructive middle order batsman.

Now back in the Caribbean preparing for the World Cup, Styris is keen to lift the intensity of his game as he heads into two friendly games against Bangladesh (March 7 NZT) and Sri Lanka (March 10 NZT).

"I believe it will be the teams that generate good early momentum that will do well in this championship. Our team has come off a good series in Australia and our performances seem to be peaking at the right time," he said after arriving in Barbados late Saturday (NZT).

The BLACKCAPS had a relaxing day after their two-day trip from New Zealand, with a pool session in the morning and gym in the afternoon.

Styris came back into the New Zealand side during the tri-series in Australia and while reasonably happy with his form, realises that he needs to lift his intensity a few notches.

"I found myself off the pace a little in Australia, indicative of the gap between domestic cricket and that at an international level. We have a good build-up over the next few days with three net sessions and the two matches - that should be ideal.

"The pitches could be interesting. On my last tour I found they were low and slow, which tends to help my bowling. They also stop and turn a bit. However, for the World Cup they will be using several new grounds and although the reports are that they will be the same, you don't often get low slow wickets on a new block. We will just have to wait and see," he said.

The first training is at Bridgetown's Windward Park, starting at 2am NZT Monday