Former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Campbell will take over as Netherlands coach from April 2017. Campbell will replace interim coach Chris Adams, who has agreed to remain in the role until the side’s tour of Hong Kong next month for a round of WCL Championship matches and an Intercontinental Cup fixture.
Campbell, who had played two ODIs for Australia before 2016, was head coach and cricket operations manager for Hong Kong’s Kowloon Cricket Club. He became Hong Kong’s batting coach in 2013 and, in early 2016, was picked to play for the side in the World T20. Making his debut in the format at the age of 44, Campbell was the oldest player in the tournament and went on to feature in three matches, scoring 36 runs and taking two wickets for Hong Kong. Campbell also has an Australian level-three coaching certificate.
An aggressive batsman, Campbell struck 6009 runs in first-class cricket, representing Western Australia and Australia A in most of his 98 matches, with 11 centuries and 37 fifties. In 105 List A games matches, he scored 2286 runs.
“I am honoured to be offered the head coach position with Netherlands cricket, a team that has risen to great heights on the world stage and has a rich tradition in the game,” Campbell said. “They have many talented players and I hope my experience can help bring on the youngsters, whilst also helping out our experienced leaders.
“With my wife and son holding Dutch passports, I have always held the Netherlands close to my heart and I can’t wait to get there and make a big contribution to the direction of Dutch Cricket.”
Netherlands are third on the Intercontinental Cup table, with two wins and two losses from four matches. They are placed second on the WCL Championship table with 12 points from eight matches, level with table-leaders Papua New Guinea who have one more win. – MD
