The Netherland's chances of qualifying for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa took a major blow when star batsman Bas Zuiderent announced his unavailability for the Toronto qualifying tournament. Zuiderent has been playing for Sussex in the UK this year, and has shown signs of maturing into a top class player. He made his maiden first-class hundred against Nottinghamshire, and is averaging 30 in first-class matches. He is also averaging nearly 40 in limited overs matches with another fine century. As one of the few players in the ICC Trophy regularly playing first-class cricket, there is little doubt that he would have been one of the stars of the tournament, and with his absence, the Netherlands may struggle in a tough group, where they will face first-seeded Scotland, and hosts Canada.

The Netherlands Cricket board had reached agreement with Sussex earlier this year, and the county was willing to release him for the duration of the tournament. Zuiderent however, has made a personal decision and feels his cricket career will be furthered by remaining with Sussex and building on the fine start he has made to the season.

The 24 year old right hander played in the 1996 World Cup as a teenager (many will recall a fine half-century against England), and has been a regular for the Dutch National team ever since.

Thanks:: Louis van Dompselaar

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