Share

Dutch test looms for England

accreditation
England skipper Andrew Strauss. (Gallo)
England skipper Andrew Strauss. (Gallo)

New Delhi - Armed with a rejigged batting order, England will have a score to settle with the Netherlands in Tuesday's World Cup Group B match in Nagpur.

England skipper Andrew Strauss has harped on the need to guard against complacency against the Dutch, who beat them in the opening match of the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup at Lord's.

Chasing their maiden 50-over World Cup, England have tinkered with their batting order and promoted Kevin Pietersen as Strauss' opening partner.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior has been dropped to the middle order, hoping to cash in on his ability as one of the better players of spin.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann has joined the team, having stayed back in the UK to attend the birth of his first child, but Strauss would not reveal whether he would play on Tuesday.

Rival captain Peter Borren said his team mates were deriving inspiration from their 2009 victory, albeit in a different format.

After the humiliation of Kenya and Canada at the hand of Test playing nations, the Netherlands will have the additional burden to perform and justify the presence of associate teams in one day cricket's biggest stage.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()