4. Scott Edwards, Netherlands – Age: 26
Wicketkeeper-batter Scott Edwards has led the side admirably since the retirement of talismanic skipper Pieter Seelaar three months ago due to recurrent back issues. Far from being a burden, the added responsibility of captaincy has seemed to galvanise his batting. In 2022 so far, Edwards averages 56.42 in ODI’s and 30.66 in T20Is at a healthy strike rate. These numbers are a remarkable step up from his pre-2022 batting averages.
A club cricketer from Melbourne and a budding electrical apprentice, Edwards only became a full-time professional cricketer in 2018. Three years before that, he had become friends with Netherlands’ ex-head coach Ryan Campbell whilst playing a Topklasse season for Excelsior Cricket Club. This eventually led to Edwards getting a call-up for the Dutch international team and he made his debut in a tri-series against Ireland and Scotland in 2018. Since then, Edwards has worked hard to establish himself as the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper batter.
He will look to continue his blistering form into this year’s T20 World Cup, in a batting line-up bolstered by the returns of Colin Ackermann and allrounder Roelof van der Merwe.
Fun Fact: Born in Tonga, Edwards moved to Australia at a young age. He is a dual Dutch-Australian citizen and possesses Dutch heritage through his grandmother.
