Ten Doeschate holds the key

Ryan ten Doeschate carries Holland's hopes © Getty Images

Ryan ten Doeschate could be the key to Holland upsetting both Australia and South Africa in the World Cup, according to the Essex and Dutch bowling coach Ian Pont.

And Holland’s rise up the rankings, along with key players performing well, gives the Dutch squad hope for a major upset.

"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 - 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 number ones 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 has 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 added: "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 Holland squad fly out on Friday from Gatwick for Kingston, where they meet India and Kenya in ODI warm-ups ahead of the group stages in St Kitts. Scotland complete Group A.