Nannes gives Dutch ray of hope

Hosts England open the ICC World Twenty20 against outsiders the Netherlands at Lord’s on Friday in a match they dare not lose and the Dutch hope they might win. In pace bowler Dirk Nannes, who plays at Lord’s for Middlesex, the Dutch have a left-arm quick who can swing the ball late.

Australia-born Nannes didn’t hit top form during the Netherlands’s recent warm-up games against Ireland and Scotland but if the seamer, who also plays for Indian Premier League side the Delhi Daredevils, is at his best then England need to watch out.

“Twenty20 is a funny game, all it takes is for a couple of us to fire and we will be challenging the big boys,” said Nannes.    All-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate is another key figure for the Dutch and this match could see him in action against at least two of his Essex team-mates in opening batsman Ravi Bopara and wicket-keeper James Foster, with the big-hitting Graham Napier also in England’s squad.

“It will be nice to actually test myself against them as I play a lot with them,” Ten Doeschate said. Asked which side was the favourites for Friday’s game, he replied: “The Netherlands, definitely. No it’s hard to quantify. We are out for a one-off, special performance by two or three guys. Obviously, England are hot favourites.”

But Netherlands captain and wicket-keeper Jeroen Smits is convinced his side can start the tournament proper with an almighty bang. “I’m sure we can spring a surprise,” he said. “We have a quality 20-over team. They have some quality players but it comes down to who is best on the day and I think we can compete and I’m sure we can do a job on Friday.”