Netherlands, Holand or Dutch as known by different names is one of the nations where cricket is counted as one of the popular sports. Governed by the Royal Dutch Cricket Association formed in 1883, the Netherlands Cricket Team is continuously participating in many ICC events though is yet to receive Test and full ODI status. As an associate member of ICC, it participated in several ICC trophies and won it in 2001. It also participated in 96 and 2003 World Cup events. In the 2005 ICC trophy, they defeated UAE that made them eligible for being a part of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
Netherlands have not played much cricket on international level but produced some excellent players whose names are popular in county cricket. Overall, the team comprises of some young and talented cricketers who can make any opposition run for a comfortable win against them.
Placed under Group-A, Netherlands has to play against mighty Australia, South Africa and newly entered Scotland. Its first match is on 16 th March against South Africa at St Kitts followed by matches against Australia (18 th) and Scotland (22 nd) at the same venue.
Team Players:
Luuk P van Troost (Captain), Adeel Raja, Peter W Borren, TBM de Leede, Mark BS Jonkman, Alexei N Kervezee, Mohammad Kashif, Darron J Reekers, Edgar Schiferli, Jeroen Smits (wicketkeeper), WF Stelling, Eric S Szwarczynski, Ryan ten Doeschate, Dan van Bunge, Bas Zuiderent.
Key Players:
Luuk P van Troost – Having just 21 ODIs experience, Troost is very much aggressive in batting and can be destructive against any bowling attack.
Dan van Bunge – His all-round performance as an opener and a leg spinner is important for any team especially in mega event like World Cup.
Bas Zuiderent – His successful county career for Sussex and good experience of 26 ODIs placed him as a reliable batsman middle order.
Jeroen Smits – He is very much good in behind the wicket and if get back his form in batting then can contribute a lot for his team.
There is not much expectation from Netherlands however; this acts as a performance building measure. So, without having much experience these young players are capable to showcase their cricketing qualities in this mega event that can further encourage young cricketers in the country. |
