ICC World Cup: Need to put pressure for longer time – Netherland’s Merwe
Ahead of his team’s ICC Cricket World Cup match against New Zealand, Dutch all-rounder Roelof Van Der Merwe said a key lesson from their loss to Pakistan was that they needed to put pressure on their opponents for longer, adding , that there are also some positives from the game.
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New Zealand will take on the Netherlands on Monday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. New Zealand won their WC opener against defending champions England by nine wickets. On the other hand, Netherlands started their campaign with an 81-run loss to Pakistan.
Speaking about the loss to Pakistan, Merve said in the pre-match press conference, “Yes, look, obviously it’s disappointing to lose the match to Pakistan. You know, Bass (de Liede) and Vicky (Vikramjit Singh) played very well. We reviewed the game and we understand where we need to improve and all those things were discussed and we know we need to do it longer and yes, all those things were discussed.”
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“We had Pakistan under a bit of pressure there. Everyone knows that. Obviously, the lesson from that is we need to make it longer and that was discussed and if you compare it to T20 cricket, it’s 30 overs longer. So, it speaks for itself that we have to do it longer and put them under pressure for longer,” he added.
Positive despite the loss, the all-rounder said his team has skillful and talented players and they are not relying on just one player to turn the game around in every game.
Asked how long he intended to play for, having represented South Africa earlier and played in T20 leagues around the world, Merwe said: “Yeah, I think for me obviously I compete, I like to compete so I think that it helps me stay fit, stay hungry for the game. I just love playing the game and competing against other teams and other players.”
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Speaking about plans against Kiwis centurions Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra during the WC opener against England, Merwe said they did have a plan to get them out, but added that NZ was a very well organized team.
“Look I think every team has plans to bat and tomorrow is how well we can execute those plans to put them under pressure and I mean those two guys played a great partnership in the previous game but you know we have plans to take them on and as we said earlier they put them under pressure. They are a very organized skilful team so we know what we are up against against a quality team but if we play the way we play and execute the way we want to – we can put them under pressure and let’s win the match,” said Merve.
Asked if all-rounder Logan van Beek was giving him information about the New Zealand team as he represents the Wellington Firebirds on the local Kiwi scene, Merve said: “Yeah, I think the middle of cricket these days is where you play with so much guys throughout the year, so everyone has information about the players and it’s convenient that they’ve been in contact with the players more often than not. So always useful information.”
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Speaking about his contribution to the team as a senior, he said: “Yeah, look, I think you watch the games, you look at where guys are uncomfortable, where the ball turns when you turn back. I think all teams are aware of what the players’ strengths and weaknesses are, and the players also know what they are good at and what they are not good at. And you just have to weigh those things and on a day-to-day basis do the best you can to upset that. So, all the information is there, it’s just about execution.”
He also praised Vikramjit for his fifty against Pakistan, calling him an outstanding talent.
“Yes, look, Vicky is also another outstanding talent, still very young as well, so he still needs to gain a lot of experience, but the signs he has shown are very encouraging for Dutch cricket, he plays with a certain amount of flair and that yes, it’s great to watch and I think he’s one for the future,” said Merve.
On his appearance at this year’s World Cup for the Netherlands, having previously represented SA, he said: “Look, whichever team I play for, I want to win. So it doesn’t change whether I’m playing in a World Cup or a local competition. I want to win games of cricket and I will give my best, whether it is on the field, giving advice, training off the field, I am always well prepared and I just want to win matches and nothing changes playing for the Dutch,” he concluded he.
New Zealand Team: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
Netherlands squad: Scott Edwards (c), Max O’Dowd, Bas de Liede, Vikram Singh, Thea Nidamanuru, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackerman, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Wesley Baresi, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Sibrand Engelbrecht.
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