Dutch courage

By Oliver Brett

Remember Bobby Simpson?

The former Australian captain - a fine opening batsman and a brilliant slip fielder - was a crucial component in their modern-day success after becoming national coach in the mid-1980s.

It seems sad to me that Holland are not getting more opportunities and they are even now omitted from the C&G Trophy Bobby Simpson

Now, however, he has the ICC Trophy in his sights as coach of the Dutch national team.

The tournament, which starts on Friday, provides five qualifying berths for the 2007 World Cup.

They are expected to be among the leading contenders, but Simpson's competitive zeal will mean they are focused on winning the trophy itself.

Simpson was a natural choice to replace previous incumbent Emerson Trotman, having spent two months with the team in 2002.

And his first engagement with the Dutch this season - on a brief tour of England and Wales - began in the best possible way.

"We played very well against the Wales side which had a few county players and beat them," Simpson told BBC Sport.

"We had one washed out and then we didn't play nearly as well against Devon and got beaten by them.

"But it's been very important in terms of getting used to the turf wickets and all the practice facilities because in Holland they don't have that opportunity."

The Dutch are a blend of the old and new - all-rounders Luuk van Troost and Tim de Leede are deep into their 30s and have played plenty of big matches around the world.

There's also the rising talent of Ryan ten Doeschate, a member of Essex's one-day side where his massive six-hitting skill has attracted attention.

"He'll come here on Thursday," says Simpson. "He might have to miss one match only, so that's a great bonus for us because everyone has heard very good reports about him."

Young Daan van Bunge is also a key player, principally as a batsman, though Simpson will hope he bowls too.

The Netherlands' South African-born pro Ryan ten Doeschate

He says: "I thought he had a lot of potential as a leggie three years ago and I trust he has been bowling otherwise we might have to suggest he bowls a little bit more."

Simpson feels his team are in the toughest of the two goups.

He says: "Ireland have got a good draw and they're a good side.

"In our group, we have Scotland and Namibia who are good sides. We had a quick look at Oman because we didn't know much about them - they mainly consist of Pakistani players.

"But overall we have probably got the tougher draw than the other half."

Simpson's main concern is that the big opportunity provided to Scotland in recent years, playing in the Totesport League against county sides, is the exception rather than the norm.

"It's a great pity that this is not happening because in many ways we are all talking about spirit of cricket, getting more teams into the bigger league.

"It seems sad to me that Holland are not getting more opportunities and they are even now omitted from the C&G Trophy.

"It's very important for all these countries to qualify for the World Cup as far as the financial side is concerned."

With so much at stake, there should be plenty of competitive cricket played at the ICC Trophy.