Dutch Cricket Squad Announced for World Cup, with Key Players Returning
Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, and Colin Ackermann Make a Comeback
The KNCB (Royal Dutch Cricket Federation) has named a 15-member squad for the Netherlands’ first 50-over World Cup in over a decade. Key players like Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, and Colin Ackermann are set to return to the team, while Sybrand Engelbrecht is in line to make his debut. Here are the highlights of the squad announcement and their preparations for the World Cup:
Notable Inclusions and Debuts
- Sybrand Engelbrecht, a former South African player, is set to debut for the Dutch team after becoming Dutch-eligible.
- Scott Edwards continues to lead the side as the wicketkeeper-captain, with 10 members from the World Cup Qualifier squad retained.
Return of County Players
- Colin Ackermann, Paul van Meekeren, and Roelof van der Merwe, who missed the World Cup Qualifier due to county commitments, are expected to join the squad in India.
- Durham’s Bas de Leede, a key contributor to Dutch qualification, will also join the team.
Changes in the Bowling Lineup
- Roelof van der Merwe replaces Clayton Floyd in the squad.
- Fred Klaassen and Timm van der Gugten are sidelined due to injuries.
Omission of Tom Cooper
- Tom Cooper has not retired but was left out due to concerns about his lack of recent competitive cricket.
- The door remains open for Cooper’s potential return to the team.
Balancing Dutch and Overseas Talent
- Coach Ryan Cook emphasizes that the selection is based on merit, regardless of a player’s origin.
- Hopes are high for the emergence of more homegrown talent in the future.
Preparatory Camp and Lack of Official ODI Fixtures
- The team will fly to Bengaluru for an 8-day preparatory camp, including matches against Karnataka.
- Despite the lack of official ODI fixtures since the Qualifier, the team aims to use training camps to adapt to conditions.
The Dutch cricket team is gearing up for the World Cup with a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, hoping to make an impact on the global stage.
