ten Doeschate ready to shine for Dutch

The Essex allrounder, Ryan ten Doeschate, holds the key to Holland's World Cup campaign, according to his coach at both international and county level, Ian Pont. ten Doeschate, who made four consecutive centuries in the 2006 ICC Intercontinental Cup including a career-best 259 not out, gives his side their best hope of a major upset, in a World Cup group that includes both Australia and South Africa.

"Ryan is a world-class performer when he's playing well," said Pont. "He won games with his batting and fielding for Essex last year, and now his bowling is back on track he's a real contender as one of the stars of the tournament.

"We are targeting South Africa first," added Pont, "not least since we have three players with SA connections. There's a determination to get amongst them and make things difficult. Pressure is on them as new world No.1s and also after failing to get out of their group at the last World Cup, on home soil. I'll be giving Essex signing Andre Nel some friendly stick too."

Apart from ten Doeschate, the Dutch also have Billy Stelling (Leicestershire) and Baz Zuiderent (Sussex) with county experience, plus new kid on the block, 17-year-old Alexei Kervezee who has signed a two-year deal at Worcestershire.

Pont, one of the ECB National Skill Sets Coaches at Loughborough, said: "It will be a great experience for everyone associated with Netherlands cricket. But Ryan has the chance to show what he can do at the highest level of all. He's one of those characters that thrives on challenges. And I wouldn't put it past him to show his best against the best."

The squad fly out on Friday, March 2 from Gatwick for Kingston, where they meet India and Kenya in ODI warm-ups ahead of the group stages in St Kitts. Scotland completes the group.