England is the future for Kervezee

"The future's bright. The future's Orange," so say the French Telecom giant. The same cannot, as yet, be said for Netherlands - in spite of their fluorescent uniform. Today they were bowled out for just 80 by a strong West Indies at a distinctly autumnal Dublin. Indeed, for one of their young batsmen, the future's not so much orange as pear green - or possibly even blue.

Alexei Kervezee is a very rare breed indeed: a gifted, young Associates batsman - so talented, in fact, that Worcestershire swooped to secure him at a positively cherubic 16. He's playing for their Seconds these days but, still so young - he turns 18 in September - he has plenty of time on his hands. And like many of his peers among the Associates who have opted to switch allegiance - Ed Joyce has played for England, and hot on his heels is Eoin Morgan - does Kervezee have an eye on the three lions?

"Well," he told Cricinfo, pausing, perhaps unsure of how to answer, but a wry grin gives it away before a more emphatic "yes" answers the question. "It is my goal to eventually play for England, yes. I'm currently contracted to Holland. If I get the opportunity to play for England, it's something I will definitely consider."

Kervezee's situation is tricky, but by no means unique. He is contracted to Netherlands, but also to Worcestershire. Which of the two take precedent when they each clamber for his services? "It's an arrangement with Worcestershire and the national team," he explains. "But if Worcestershire need me, I won't be released. If there are games that aren't that important, they'll release me."

It is a worrying sign for the Associate nations that county cricket holds more sway for a young professional - professional being the operative word - but it's a trend that won't abate any time soon. Counties offer a future that the likes of the Netherlands cannot, and at the moment, the future is with the pears of Worcestershire and the lions of England.

"Money can't help that much," Kervezee said of the problems facing Netherlands cricket on the whole. "The problem is with the youngsters [in the country]...it's not a really well-known sport in Holland. If you want to see kids going to the cricket, it's purely by chance."

How did he get into the game then? "I was born in Namibia and lived in South Africa for 11 years. When I was 12, or thereabouts, I moved to Holland and played for a club." He is almost certain that had he spent his formative years in Holland as opposed to the sport-crazed South Africa, he'd either be playing soccer or nothing at all. And when he elaborates on the help and support Worcestershire have provided him, the lure of a county contract for someone so young is plain to see.

"They have been a great help to me so far," he says. "Technically, but also becoming a person too. Personality-wise, I used to be very quiet. I wouldn't say I'm a loud mouth now, but I talk to people more. I've matured.

"Just talking to the players, in general [has helped]. People like Steve Rhodes, well, they're your coach so inevitably you look up to him. It's more hanging out with people like Graeme Hick, Ben Smith - and they help with anything. You ask them questions at the right time and they're very willing and accommodating."

Almost as soon as Kervezee stepped out to field, Chris Gayle and Devon Smith walloped the required 81 in just 15 overs. What exactly have he and his team-mates learned from this experience, other than they are some distance short of the required standard? The future may not be orange, but at least - for Kervezee - it's bright.