Ryan ten Doeschate has been the big name in Dutch cricket since announcing himself in the 2006 Intercontinental Cup. He broke David Hemp's record for the competition's highest score by hitting an unbeaten 259 and finished with the extraordinary average of 228.66 including four successive centuries. He also finished as the Netherlands' leading wicket taker in the tournament.

By then he was already known to followers of country cricket after Essex discovered him during a pre-season tour in 2003. He has become something of a cult figure amongst the Essex supporters with his huge hitting, skiddy bowling and big smile.

Born in South Africa, he cites Jonty Rhodes as his hero, and has played for Western Province. He is of Dutch descent, though, enabling him to qualify under the European Citizenship law to play county cricket. Consistent performances led him to be shortlisted for the inaugural ICC Associate ODI Player of the Year in 2007 and he went better in 2010, winning the the ICC Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year Award. It was due reward after making one century and three half-centuries from five ODIs over the voting period and another memorable Intercontinental Cup performance, when he struck an unbeaten 212 against Kenya and claimed 7 for 174 in the game with his medium pace.

Alan Curr