Van der Merwe quits South African Cricket to play for the Netherlands

Van der Merwe goes Dutch

South African all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe has switched his nationality to the Dutch to revive his international cricketing career. He played his last match for the Proteas side in 2010 against West Indies.

Van der Merwe secured a Dutch passport and soon made himself available for the Netherlands cricket team. He got selected in the squad to play against Nepal but missed out on the playing XI.

He decided to take this step to make sure he has a long international career. Merwe acquiring a Dutch passport also meant that he is now available to play county cricket in England as a local player because European Union connection.

His career with South Africa ended here. He played for the Titans franchise for nine-season and was part of their integral team since the start.

"It has been a privilege and an amazing journey to be part of the Titans family for the past eight years. My cricket journey will continue, but I have decided on a different path that could be beneficial to my long-term career and family life," Van der Merwe was quoted saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Titans coach, Rob Walter said in a statement that Roelof was loved by the team’s fan and will always be same for him.

"His indomitable spirit and defiance has endeared Roelof to the Titans fans and to a wider South African audience. He had a never-say-die-attitude and was extremely motivated to make a difference and to win matches."

The 30-year-old has represented the South African national team in 13 One-Day International and Twenty20 matches each. He could score only 39 and 57 runs in his ODI and T20 career respectively. Merwe had slow left-arm orthodox bowling style and he was more successful as a bowler than a batsman as he picked 17 and 14 wickets during his ODI and T20 career.