The Netherlands’ New Zealand-born allrounder, Darron Reekers, will miss his side’s two Intercontinental Cup matches against Bermuda and Canada and the associated tri-series of ODIs in South Africa in November-December.

He has already had an operation on one of his ankles, and a second on the other will follow as soon as he has recovered from the first. This is not likely to take place until late November.

He is therefore certain to miss the South African tour, and it must be doubtful whether he will be fit in time for the World Cricket League in Nairobi in January-February, the Dutch side’s last run out before the World Cup.

Reekers experienced fitness problems during the 2006 season, but performed well in the European Championship in August.

His absence will be doubly disappointing to Dutch national coach Peter Cantrell and captain Luuk van Troost, not only because he regularly takes the new ball, but also because of his role as pinch-hitting opening batsman in ODIs.

He has fulfilled the latter role with some success, not least against Sri Lanka in June, and the side will miss the flying start which he is often able to provide.

Cantrell has confirmed that no additional player will be added to the squad for South Africa, which will make it all the more important that Reekers’ partner with the new ball in Scotland, Billy Stelling, and newcomer Mark Jonkman are able to deliver the goods. An alternative is Essex allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate, who has mainly been used as first-change bowler in his games for the Dutch side.

On the batting front, some compensation for Reekers’ absence from the one-day side will be provided by the availability of opener Maurits van Nierop, who will join the squad for the tri-series.

But the thinness of The Netherlands’ seam resources is clearly pointed up by the injuries to Edgar Schiferli and now Reekers. It is a sad fact that there is no bowler as yet who has forced himself into contention as an obvious replacement.

Cantrell acknowledges the extent of the problem, noting that fast-bowling coach Ian Pont will be in The Netherlands at the end of October, and will then concentrate on the rising generation of Dutch seamers.

If there is no immediate solution, therefore, the Dutch will be hoping that a new seam attack will emerge in time for the 2009 World Cup qualifying tournament and the 2011 World Cup to follow.