Daan van Bunge, the Netherlands spinner who achieved unwelcome fame during the World Cup when he was hit for six sixes in an over by Hershcelle Gibbs, has announced that he will be unavailable for international matches for the foreseeable future. He will continue to play for his club.
van Bunge, 24, said that he was unable to balance the demands of pursuing a career in sports management with the demands of representing his country. “The time has come when I have to choose,” van Bunge told cricketeurope.com. “I've considered alternatives, such as only being available for home matches, but I have to give priority to my studies, and it wouldn't be fair to players who are fully committed to training and playing if I were to take a place in the side.”
The tragedy about Dutch cricketers is that they do not fulfill potential at the highest level. Maybe, it is because of the lack of professional cricket. I think Van Bunge was very good. If I am not mistaken, he impressed during the Champions Trophy as a batsman. Six sixes in an over can happen to any part-time bowler, especially a leg-spinner. It is not a real reflection of his abilities. But, I am sure that's not the reason for his quitting. But it is the lack of opportunities. Unfortunately, another good batsman who failed to live to potential was Bastian Zuiderent. In one of the innings during 1996 World Cup, he came very low down and made an unbeaten 21. He looked technically very sound. Maybe, more Dutch players should go abroad and play professional cricket. ten Doeschate is a great example. And they should have more ODIs in a separate minnow league.
This world cup has been a quitting platform for many good players. This is not an easy sport and not much has been expected from teams like Holland but the spirit and hard work they have shown over the years has been impressive. My salute to Bunge who made the cricket world realize that there are players outside the test teams.
This world cup has been a quitting platform for many good players. This is not an easy sport and not much has been expected from teams like Holland but the spirit and hard work they have shown over the years has been impressive. My salute to Bunge who made the cricket world realize that there are players outside the test teams.
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