Dutch rookies face tough baptism
The Netherlands, who make their World Twenty20 bow, face an almighty task to make the next round having been drawn in Group B with hosts England and 2007 runners-up Pakistan.
Adding to their problems is that they have played just four games in the T20 format, all during the qualifying round in Belfast last year.
But they can boast players with plenty of experience of English conditions and of big tournaments, even if their appearance at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean proved to be another humbling experience.
Led by 36-year-old Jeroen Smits, who was in charge when the Dutch made sure of their place in the 2011 World Cup recently, they are coached by grizzled Australian Peter Drinnen, the former Scotland boss.
They can also call upon promising 19-year-old batsman Alexei Kerveze, who is on Worcestershire’s books and who averaged over 50 in the World Cup qualifiers.
Also in the 15-man squad are Essex all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate and Bas Zuiderent who has played for Sussex.
The most suprising inclusion in the Dutch squad is fast bowler Dirk Nannes, who had harboured outside hopes of playing for Australia at the World Twenty20.
The 32-year-old son of Dutch immigrants, Nannes has played for Middlesex in English county cricket and Victoria in Australia.
He featured in the IPL this year playing for the Delhi Daredevils and picked up six wickets in his first six matches, even managing to oust Glenn McGrath from the team.
“Of course I would like to play for Australia, but I’ve been given a really good opportunity by the Dutch team,” Nannes told a website.
“If I play for Holland, I will probably make the starting XI. If I was picked in the 30-man squad for Australia, the chances are I wouldn’t play and they’ll play other people.”
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