Holland opt for youth

Holland have opted for a youthful look to their squad for the Intercontinental Cup match against Scotland at Mannofield, Aberdeen, starting on June 11.

Emmerson Trotman, the national coach, has chosen Maurits van Nierop (20) and Tom de Grooth (21) to replace Dutch team stalwarts such as Tim de Leede, who is unavailable due to family commitments, Darron Reekers, and Feiko Kloppenburg, who are both injured. Kloppenburg has been playing in the local one-day league but has been advised not to play in the three-day game against Scotland, as his back would take too much strain.

Van Nierop and de Grooth both have three-day experience, having played in the Western Cape league in South Africa for several years after coming through the Dutch Cricket Academy, which is based in Cape Town. They will be well supported by Bas Zuiderent, who was released by Sussex last season after a four year stint, and Daan van Bunge, who is currently captaining the MCC youth team.

Walter Schiferli and Gokke will probably take the new ball, with van Troost providing support with his medium pace. Holland have the luxury of two spinners, Esmeijer and Raja, in the squad. Trotman believes he has a well-balanced team and it will be a good contest between Holland and Scotland as they enter the first-class arena for the first time.

Holland L.van Troost (captain), J.Smits (vice captain and wicket keeper), D.van Bunge, J.J.Esmeijer, S.Gokke, T.de Grooth, H.J.Mol, M.van Nierop, A.Raja, E.Schiferli, C.Smith, B.Zuiderent.