Tasmania go Dutch

In Australian T20 Big Bash news a small yet ground breaking little story has emerged, as Tasmania have announced the signing of Netherlands all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate for the Big Bash 2010-11.
"His credentials suit what we need perfectly," Tasmania coach Tim Coyle said in Hobart . "He's an attacking, hard-hitting player who clears the boundary regularly, a very handy bowler and an excellent fieldsman"


Ryan ten Doeschate is the big name of the Dutch national side thanks to both his success with Essex , and a stunning season in the ICC Intercontinental Cup in 2006. He broke David Hemp's record for the competition's highest score by hitting an unbeaten 259 and finished with the extraordinary average of 228.66 including four successive centuries. He also finished as the Netherlands ' leading wicket taker in the tournament. Since joining Essex his cricket has gone from strength to strength and led the batting averages for Essex in England 's Friends Provident t20 this year, making 296 runs in six matches at an average of 59.20. He also had best economy-rate for his side, conceding 6.81 runs an over. Essex won 10 of their 16 group games in the Friends Provident t20 and finished second in the South Group. They lost the semi-final to eventual champions Hampshire.


The ground breaking selection of Dutch player to play in an Australian competition for the first time, is a glowing example for the ICC’s push to further enhance cricket in traditionally non-playing nations. With teams traditionally selecting West Indies or Indian players to fill the roles as overseas players this has come up with contract issues with many players having signed with 2 clubs, in both the IPL and Big Bash. In one case leaving Victoria without their skipper Cameron White for this season’s Champions League. Selecting a player such as ten Doeschate allows full use of him for the whole of the competition.

I for one like the impact that international players have on competitions, and feel allowing two per side doesn’t stop any youngster who deserves a game getting one and only adds more to the Big Bash than it takes away. I’m looking forward to watching the Dutchman’s progress though the tournament where he will join Pakistan fast bowler, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, as Tasmania's two international players this season, the Big Bash starts Dec 30 to Feb 5.