ten Doeschate opts for Essex over Netherlands

Fresh from his match-winning 106 for Netherlands in their opening match of the World Cup Qualifiers, Ryan ten Doeschate has revealed he will not be playing a full part for his country in the tournament owing to his commitments with Essex.

"There will always be county versus country issues for me and this is the case again during this tournament," ten Doeschate told the website CricketHeroes. "They [Netherlands ] want me to stay on until April 21 but I'm likely to be returning to Essex on April 13 [ahead of the first Championship match, starting on the 15th].

"There's a bit of niggle there as they [Netherlands' management] are not happy with my decision, but while I'm playing professional cricket it is right that has to be my focus."

A spokesman for Netherlands confirmed to Cricinfo that, while they are understandably disappointed, ultimately it was out of their control. "We knew it was on the cards," he said. "He has put a request in to leave on the 13th. Of course we're not happy, but the decision lies in his hands."

ten Doeshate's bristling 106 came from just 84 balls and led Netherlands to chase down 248 to beat Kenya, winning with a comfortable 22 balls to spare. Arguably one of the finest Associate batsmen, should Netherlands qualify for the Super Eights, his absence will leave a huge hole to fill. A replacement has yet to be named by Netherlands.