Gary Kirsten and Dan Christian added to coaching staff Netherlands cricket team
Published at 10 October, 2022Nieuwegein, the Netherlands, 10 October 2022 -- Gary Kirsten and Dan Christian have been added to the Dutch coaching staff in preparing for the T20 World Cup which will be held in Australia from October 16 until November 13, 2022.
The Netherlands qualified for the T20 World Cup in July. They will take on the United Arab Emirates, Namibia and Sri Lanka in the Group stage matches on October 16, 18 and 20 respectively.
During the preparation phase, both Gary and Dan have been working with the team in South Africa and Australia and will keep working with the team for the duration of the tournament.
With 393 T20 caps to his name, Dan Christian has expertise in all departments of T20 cricket. He is renowned as one of the most successful all-rounders in the modern game, having achieved success across the world both at international and franchise level. Having deep knowledge of Australian conditions will be a big advantage to the think tank of the team as they look to improve their skills and tactics prior to the global event. His time with the team started with a training camp in Adelaide.
Dan Christian: “I’ve had a great couple of weeks getting to know the guys, and I’ve been extremely impressed with everyone’s work ethic at practice! I’m looking forward to seeing them have some well-deserved success on the field.”
Ryan Cook, the Head Coach of the team has been impressed with Dan’s contributions so far.
“I am confident that the addition of Dan to the coaching group will be of great benefit to the players and staff. His positive manner around the group and his vast all-round experience has already had a great influence on the group and we look forward to continuing the work with him.”
Gary Kirsten
Gary Kirsten had an illustrious career as an opening batsman for South Africa but in recent years has been revered in the coaching space having led the Indian team to the World Cup in 2011, steering South Africa to the Number 1 test side in the World and more recently being part of the Gujarat Titans who won the IPL in their first season. Gary has coached many franchise T20 teams around the world to success and the Dutch team will be leaning on his vast knowledge to add great value to the team.
Gary has previously worked with the Dutch team in 2021 during the Super League series against Ireland and is excited to rejoin the group. “I really enjoyed working with the Dutch Team in Cape Town and I look forward to joining them as a consultant in the T20 World Cup. I was impressed with the level of skill and professionalism during the camp. They will be ready and determined to make an big impact at the T20 World Cup.”
Members of the team joined a training camp with Gary and his coaching team at the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy in Cape Town prior to leaving for Australia along with Head Coach, Ryan Cook who has worked closely with Kirsten over many years. “Gary brings incredible experience and knowledge to both players and support staff which will be a great asset for the team during the tournament.”
KNCB High Performance Manager Roland Lefebvre: “We are very excited to welcome both Gary Kirsten and Dan Christian to our coaching staff for the T20 World Cup. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table which will be of great help in the lead-up to and during the World Cup. We are looking forward to the three all-important matches against the UAE, Namibia and Sri Lanka, the first match to be played on the 16th of October, and wish Ryan Cook and the team all the best.”
T20 World Cup fixtures Netherlands
16/10 Netherlands vs UAE 09.00 AM GMT
18/10 Netherlands vs Namibia 05.00 AM GMT
20/10 Netherlands vs Sri Lanka 05.00 AM GMT
Venue: Kardinia Park, Geelong, Australia
