Image Credit- Getty
The Netherlands and Australian cricket have a
long-standing relationship. It might not have a relationship with the current
Dutch team quite as strong as South Africa does. However, their captain Scott
Edwards, who was born and raised in Melbourne and played cricket for Victoria’s
second XI, is an Australian citizen. He introduced the Netherlands team song, a
flagrant ripoff of the tune from his favourite Richmond of the Australian
Football League. Numerous Australian domestic players have had an impact on
Netherlands cricket, including Edwards, former Dutch coach Ryan Campbell, Tom
Cooper, Timm van der Gugten, Michael Swart, and Dirk Nannes, among others.
But on Wednesday, love will prevail in Delhi. After
defeating South Africa and possibly missing a chance against Sri Lanka,
Netherlands are out for another major victory. Australia wants to keep up the
pace. They won’t be taking the Netherlands lightly, but after being put to the
test at times by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, they would enjoy a statement victory.
Prior to this World Cup, these two teams did play each
other in a warm-up game that was hampered by weather in Thiruvananthapuram. In
a match that Australia did not take at all seriously, Mitchell Starc recorded a
hat-trick. Alex Carey batted at three, Steven Smith and Josh Inglis opened the
batting, and Mitchell Marsh opened the bowling. Marnus Labuschagne also bowled
four overs and took the wicket of Edwards.
Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, announced on
Monday that they will not be resting any of their players, thus they won’t be
taking this match as lightly. They are aware that the Dutch will have a
well-thought-out strategy, and they are aware that the dual spin danger of
Aryan Dutt in the powerplay against perhaps two left-handed openers in David
Warner and Travis Head, as well as Roelof van der Merwe against Australia’s
weak middle order, might pose issues. Getting runs in the top order will be the
main task for Netherlands. However, Australia’s new-ball bowlers have failed to
claim a powerplay wicket in the previous three matches, and Delhi has been a
great place to bat.