The addition of India’s former World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten to the Netherlands cricket team’s coaching staff on Tuesday gave them a significant boost in their quest for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.
Netherlands are placed in Group A of the first round of the T20 World Cup, along with the UAE, Namibia, and Sri Lanka. They play the UAE on October 16, followed by games against Namibia and Sri Lanka on October 18 and 20, respectively. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the Super 12 stage, which begins on October 21.
The Dutch have also signed veteran Australian all-rounder Dan Christain to their coaching staff in order to improve their chances at the World Cup.
Gary Kirsten’s Cape Town cricket academy has already worked with head coach Ryan Cook and skipper Scott Edwards, while Christain joined the team in Australia after the Dutch team arrived.
Kirsten played a key role in India’s World Cup success in 2011 and has since boosted his coaching credentials with stints with South Africa and the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
The former South African batsman represented his country in the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia, and he previously supported the Netherlands in their Super League series against Ireland last year.
The 54-year-old has already loved his time with the Dutch team and believes they have what it takes to make an impression on the big stage in Australia.
“I had a great time working with the Dutch team in Cape Town, and I’m excited to be joining them as a consultant for the T20 World Cup.” Throughout the programme, I was impressed with the level of expertise and professionalism. “They’ll be ready and determined to make a major impact in the T20 World Cup,” Kirsten remarked, according to the ICC.
While Christian lacks Kirsten’s coaching credentials, his playing credentials are equally impressive, with the 39-year-old having played 23 T20Is and 20 ODIs for Australia and previously winning a record nine domestic T20 titles around the world.
Christian hasn’t played for his country since a T20I against Bangladesh in Mirpur last year, but the all-rounder has a wealth of playing experience in Australia and has been assisting the Dutch camp in acclimating to the conditions that will most likely be present during the three group games in Geelong, Victoria.
“I’ve had a terrific few weeks getting to know the boys, and I’ve been quite impressed with everyone’s work ethic during practise.” “I’m excited to see them achieve some well-deserved success on the field,” Christian remarked.
The Netherlands were defeated by Scotland by 18 runs in their first warm-up match on Monday. They will play the West Indies in Melbourne on Wednesday before going to Geelong for their first-round matches against the UAE, Namibia, and Sri Lanka.
(source : ANI)
