The location shifts from Amstelveen to Rotterdam this weekend in Bermuda’s three-match visit to The Netherlands, and the form changes from the four-day game to ODIs. Two games will be played at VOC’s ground, on Saturday and Monday.

One clear impression from the tourists’ innings defeat in the Intercontinental Cup this week was that they are better suited to one-day cricket than to the demands of the game’s longer version, and they will certainly be determined to be more competitive in Rotterdam.

In captain Irving Romaine, youngsters like James Celestine and Jekon Edness, and the experienced Lionel Cann they have explosive batsmen who are capable of making quick runs, while opener Steven Outerbridge, who collected a pair in Amstelveen, will be keen to give a better account of himself.

But players like Clay Smith, Dean Minors, Kevin Hurdle and above all Saleem Mukuddem, the latter the most impressive member of the side which the Dutch encountered in South Africa before Christmas and which took part in the World Cricket League in January, cannot easily be replaced.

George O’Brien bowled with great heart in the Intercontinental Cup game, and Ryan Steede contributed some tidy overs as The Netherlands built up their huge lead, although he wasn’t rewarded with a wicket.

Jacobi Robinson was twelfth man in Amstelveen, and he seems certain to get his chance in the ODIs. Dwayne Leverock’s spin remains an important element in the mix, although he came in for some heavy punishment at times during the Dutch innings.

For The Netherlands, the big bonus is the news that Ryan ten Doeschate will be available for both matches. He makes a huge difference to both batting and bowling, and having performed so well for the side in South Africa, Kenya and the Caribbean, he at last gets a chance to strut his stuff on a Dutch stage.

Darron Reekers is also available for Saturday, and comes into a side which is otherwise composed of players from the four-day match. Of the twelve who assembled for that game, only Adeel Raja will be missing for both ODIs, while Tom de Grooth and Geert Maarten Mol are replaced by Ten Doeschate and Reekers for Saturday.

Edgar Schiferli and Lionel Cann, who were reported by the umpires after their clash on the final morning of the Intercontinental Cup match, have both been given a caution, and will be able to take their places in their respective sides.

Both come back for Monday’s encounter, however, with Reekers and Mangesh Panchal unavailable. After the disruptions after the World Cup and during the summer, the squad is beginning to have a more settled look (at least when it is playing at home), and coach PJ Bakker will want to build on the efficient performance in the Intercontinental Cup with two more wins in the final matches of his period of tenure – at least as far as anyone knows at the moment.

STOP PRESS:
Tom de Grooth and Geert Maarten Mol have been added to the squad for Saturday, replacing Darron Reekers (ankle injury) and Maurits Jonkman (work commitments).