We must focus on T20 first: Ryan ten Doeschate

Updated on: 26 February,2011 07:05 AM IST |
IANS |

Talented Ryan ten Doeschate grabbed the first opportunity on the big stage by stroking a dazzling century against England in the World Cup. He, however, rues not getting to play quality opposition often and suggests the Dutch to focus on Twenty20 cricket to develop their game.

Ryan ten Doeschate

The South African born cricketer has played only four of 28 ODIs so far against Test-playing nations. Interestingly, Doeschate has a staggering batting average of 71.21.

"It is a major frustration for me. If I had done better when I was younger, I would have had the opportunity to play for South Africa. But I developed better pretty late and the opportunity is obviously now lot less. Playing for Holland is an opportunity nonetheless and it's a great privilege to play in tournament like this," 30-year-old Doeschate, whoseu00a0 Dutch lineage qualified him to play for the Netherlands, said after a training session.

Doeschate, whose 119 against England was the second-highest individual score by an Associate player, felt his team should first focus on mastering their Twenty20 skills rather than Test cricket. "I think T20 gives small countries the best chance. If you see Rugby 7, it is a big international tournament and teams like Fiji, Samoa and Scotland do really well. I feel Holland should focus on T20 and then on 50-overs cricket. I am not even talking about four-day or five-day cricket," he said.