Foxes add Styris to T20 squad.

Al Hasan (pictured) is not contracted to play in the Natwest T20 Blast.

New Zealand all-rounder, Scott Styris, is set to join Leicestershire Foxes for their Natwest T20 Blast campaign this summer, providing cover for Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan as the club’s second overseas signing.

Styris has played for Essex in the English domestic campaign and scored the joint-third fastest century whilst playing for Sussex in 2012 against Gloucestershire, scoring 100 from just 37 balls.

His twenty20 record speaks volumes, accumulating 3,790 runs at an average of 26.50 with 112 wickets to his name and he is expected to be valued contributor to the Foxes campaign.

This signing is a signal of intent from Leicestershire, who aim to hit their former heights in this tournament, after winning the t20 trophy more times than any other county (3).

Their most recent success in the shortest format of the game came in 2011, but the previous two campaigns have seen them fail to progress from the group stages.

Styris has had vast experience at international across all formats, but has become a t20 specialist, signing for Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

The 38-year-old has played 31 T20 international for New Zealand, scoring 578 runs with 18 wickets to his name and has a valuable economy rate of 6.77.

Styris 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 am looking forward to working with the team over the next few months. I hope to add value with my skills and knowledge of the T20 game."

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 and that will be a big help to Josh [Cobb] and the team."

Styris will be present for the entirety of the group stages and will be available for their first match against Derbyshire on 16 May, subject to visa approval.