Post Match Interview With Pieter Seelaar, The Netherlands Captain
Pieter what are your thoughts after what must feel like a pretty sound thumping?
Yeah, it really does. We cant make excuses. Oman really showed us how we need to be performing on pitches like this. I thought we had our moments but all round it was a pretty poor performance with both ball and bat.
What do you feel went wrong?
Well we really struggled to find our length at the start as the pitch had a bit more bounce in it than we were expecting and I think we bowled a bit too full, allowing them to really drive to all parts. We had a chat at the drinksbreak and realised we needed to change things a bit. We brought on the spinners and they really helped to slow things down. I really thought we could have them knocked over for 200 odd but credit to them their lower order really took the fight to us and smashed us if we are honest. With a score near 300 you are always going to feel pressure. I though Max and Tobias started off really well and put the pressure back on them. But again we didn't reign ourselves in at the right time and lost a few wickets to decisions the boys will be regretting.
You mention Max O'Dowd there. A real allround performance from him.
Yeah, Max is always consistent and he played really well. Its a disappointment we couldn't support him more. We have to all chip in and cant just leave it down to individual performances. It just wont be enough however brilliant one player might play. We have to go back, lick our wounds and analyse things and get up for the next game.
You face the trip to Florida next time out. USA a certain win?
No no. Look you hope to win every game but every team in this competition is there by right. We certainly wont be complacent. The USA have come on a long way and have spent a lot of effort on getting their structures set up. They certainly wont roll over.
Do you feel as captain you could have done things differently?
Well I think its fair to say that it took us and especially me too long to realise we needed to be bowling shorter and I kept the spinners on just a bit too long. In fairness we just have to get more runs on the board. Three or four of the wickets were down to unclear decision making and shot selection. If you lose wickets too regularly you are not going to win too many matches. Those are the things we need to address.
Can The Netherlands get back on track? Is promotion still a possibility.
Well I mean it is ludicrous to think the season is over after one game. There are plenty of games to play but we do realise full well that we need to get up and running as quickly as possible. that means taking the trip to Florida and coming back with as many points as possible.
Brendon Glover seemed to be struggling at the end. Concerns?
Yeah Brendon had a bit of distraction from a side tweak. We have the guys looking at him now and we will be assessing the situation before we head out to Florida next week. We will be looking at cover just in case but hopefully Brendon will be on the plane. he's a good lad, has a bit of pace and bounce and offers some real attacking options. He will be first to admit that his second spell wasn't up to his standards but I am sure he will want to improve.
Thanks Pieter and see you in sunny Florida.
Thanks mate. Take care.