ESSEX went Dutch seven years ago when they signed Ryan ten Doeschate.

And they have gone Dutch again, but this time to make the unusual trip to Amstelveen to face Holland today in the Clydesdale Bank40.

It is the first time the two teams have met in competitive action and is a journey into the cricketing unknown for many of Essex’s players – with the exception of Dutch international star ten Doeschate.

Although born in Port Elizabeth in Cape Province, South Africa, the all-rounder turned his back on cricket in the country of his birth to try and forge a career in England.

“I have a Dutch father who was born in Rotterdam and was brought up in that part of the world so that is the main connection and I have played a lot of cricket there,” he told the Gazette.

“I have gone over a few days before the rest of the Essex squad to stay with some family and friends but when it comes to the match it will be cricket as usual.

“I always wanted to play for South Africa when I was a kid but as you get older you realise you might not get the opportunity.

“I think in hindsight the choices I have made have been very good for me.

“The opportunity at Essex has worked out fantastically for me and I have no regrets – I have been able to play international cricket.”

Cricket in Holland is a culture shock compared to the obsessive, rugged, win-at-all-costs nature of the sport in South Africa and barely flashes on the nation’s sporting radar.

“The cricket in Holland is very different as there is not the grass roots and infrastructure – it is played on a more casual basis and is a minority sport which I understand is 21st most popular in the country,” said ten Doeschate.

“The small community who do play cricket are very passionate about it and they have achieved a lot.

“I don’t get recognised in Holland – I am no Robin van Persie!

“It’s a tiny sport and when I’m there and people ask me what I do for a living and I say ‘cricketer’ they think it’s croquet."

For the full story see today's Gazette.