Netherlands Skipper Pieter Seelaar Annouces Retirement From International Cricket

Netherlands skipper Pieter Seelaar has announced his retirement from international cricket. The Dutch all-rounder took the decision due to back problems that have bothered him for the last 4 years.

Pieter Seelaar’s decision came amid the Netherlands vs England ODI series. Seelaar led the team in the 1st ODI. However, he did not play the 2nd ODI as Scott Edwards stood as the stand-in skipper. Edwards will now lead the team in the 3rd ODI as well.

Pieter Seelaar Retires From International Cricket

The 34-year-old Pieter Seelaar revealed that his back problems have stopped him from performing his best.

“Since 2020, my back problems got worse to such an extent that – much to my regret – I am no longer able to give everything I’ve got,” Seelaar was quoted as saying on television during the 2nd ODI.

Also Read: NED vs ENG: “They Will Carry On Pushing The Boundaries” – Nasser Hussain In Awe Of England After Their Brutal Display Against The Netherlands

Post the match, Eoin Morgan congratulated Seelaar on his retirement on behalf of the England team.

“It’s been amazing. His contribution to Dutch cricket has been outstanding. On behalf of the England cricket team, we’d like to congratulate him on his retirement and wish him well on his next journey,” Morgan said during the post-match presentation.

Pieter Seelaar made his international debut for Netherlands in 2006. He played 57 ODIs during his career. The right-handed batsman scored 347 runs in 39 innings. The left-arm spinner also picked 57 wickets at an average of 35.68. In 77 T20Is, he accounts for 58 wickets and 591 runs. After his retirement, Scott Edwards will don the role of Netherlands skipper.

Also Read: NED vs ENG: England Smash Their Own Record Of Highest ODI Score In An Innings Against The Netherlands; Slams 498 For 4 In 50 Overs

Meanwhile, England has defeated Netherlands in the first two ODIs of the ongoing three-match series. England defeated Netherlands in the 1st ODI by 232 runs, while scripting the record of highest ODI team total of 498-4 in the match.

In the 2nd ODI, England crushed Netherlands by 6 wickets. The NED vs ENG 3rd ODI will take place on June 22 (Wednesday). The venue of the clash is VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen.