Sybrand Engelbrecht

He first drew attention as a youngster when he held a remarkable diving catch for South Africa at the 2008 Under 19 World Cup. That early promise did not translate into a regular spot with the Cape Cobras. He spent most of his time in South Africa playing in the second tier of provincial cricket. His off-spin did prove useful in his limited outings for the Cobras, notably at the Champions League T20 in 2009 and again in 2014. He later had to rebuild his bowling action, and in 2016 he lost his place on the Cobras roster entirely.

Engelbrecht then turned to business. He had already spent a season in the Netherlands with HBS Craeyenhout in 2015, and five years after that stint he moved there permanently to work for Fairtree, an investment firm that also sponsors the Netherlands team. He joined Voorburg CC and in 2022 led the club to a national title, its first in 22 years.

Dutch selectors were watching. As soon as he satisfied the residency requirements, he was picked for the Netherlands A team. In a two-match series against Guernsey he made 150 runs without being dismissed, which earned him a place in the senior squad shortly before the 2023 World Cup.

Engelbrecht brings qualities the Netherlands have often lacked: he handles spin well, can hit the ball over the boundary, and has playing experience in India. A shoulder operation in 2021 means he has bowled sparingly since, even at domestic level. He remains an excellent fielder and a valuable all-round presence for his adopted country.