DURHAM have beaten off opposition from Warwickshire to sign New Zealand's World Cup star Scott Styris on a two-month contract.

It could prove crucial on Wednesday, June 13, when Durham visit Edgbaston for the final group game in the Friends Provident Trophy against the side top of the northern section.

Warwickshire wanted Styris as a temporary replacement for Kumar Sangakkara but were unwilling to match the money Durham have offered.

Sangakarra scored 149 on his county debut against Durham but has to return to Sri Lanka shortly for a two-Test series against Bangladesh.

Durham moved into second place in the northern group with yesterday's win over Scotland at Riverside and it is hoped Styris, a 31-year-old all-rounder, will arrive in time for Friday's Friends Provident Trophy match at home to Worcestershire. If not he should be available for Sunday's visit to Headingley in the 50-over competition.

As they have only one official overseas player in Michael Di Venuto, Durham are able to bring in Styris partly with a view to improving their Twenty20 Cup performances.

In four years of Twenty20 cricket Durham have the worst record of all the counties and are determined to put it right.

Styris, whose reliable batting helped New Zealand to the World Cup semi-finals, also bowls brisk medium pace.

He spent last season with Middlesex and scored 28 and 84 against Durham at Lord's, and took four for 55 in their second innings. He also scored 74 not out against them in the Pro40 League.

Durham's England trio of Steve Harmison, Liam Plunkett and Paul Collingwood are free to play for their county in the upcoming one-day games.