Darron Reekers is a Jack of all trades for the Dutch. Built like Andrew Flintoff, he bats at the top of the order and hits the ball cleanly and a long way, with the sole intention of ruining opposing bowlers figures as well as their morale. His explosive knock of 45 from 48 balls against Sri Lanka in July 2006 demonstrated his ability to take apart all sorts of attacks. Despite his reputation with the bat, he began his career as a steady away swing bowler and it was his wicket-taking that first caught the eye and is what he is most valued for. Following stints in his native New Zealand with both his hometown club Canterbury and Otago, his golden season was 2001 in the Dutch League, averaging 65 with the bat and 16.85 with the ball. Ankle problems disrupted the end of that season but he returned to fitness for the 2007 World Cup. In 2009, he starred with 20 from 13 balls in Netherlands' shock win over England, the hosts of the ICC World Twenty 20, before retiring at the end of the tournament.
Alan Curr June 2009