West Indies Wary Of Dutch Courage

Both of these teams began their World Cup campaigns with contrasting defeats.

The Netherlands' loss against England can safely be bracketed in a category of folklore, whereas West Indies' uninspired performance against South Africa was depressingly familiar.

Such has been the decline of the West Indies in recent times that even associate nations don't mind taking pot-shots at them ahead of a World Cup game.

Earlier in the week Dutch captain Peter Borren sounded buoyant about the team's chances against the once unbeatable West Indies.

Coming off a sensationally good game against England, Borren put it rather simply: "We look at the West Indies side and the way they played against South Africa, and can't wait to get out there and perform." 

To be fair, the Dutch looked the most improved of the associate teams in their opening game against England, though its bowling is still thin on paper.

The West Indies harbour some world beaters in the likes of Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle, and will look to put the Dutch firmly back in their place early on.

The Dutch team is too dependant on Ryan ten Doeschate, both with bat and ball, though the likes of left-arm spinner Peter Seelaar are expected to play a key role in Monday's game on a slow Kotla track.

Netherlands will fancy making another mark on the tournament, as they face a thin West Indian attack stripped down even further by the absence of Dwayne Bravo.

Netherlands (probable) 1 Alexei Kervezee, 2 Wesley Barresi (wk), 3 Tom Cooper, 4 Ryan ten Doeschate, 5 Bas Zuiderent, 6 Tom de Grooth, 7 Peter Borren (capt), 8 Mudassar Bukhari, 9 Pieter Seelaar, 10 Bernard Loots, 11 Berend Westdijk

West Indies (possible) 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Devon Smith, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Ramnaresh Sarwan, 5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Devon Thomas (wk), 8 Darren Sammy (capt), 9 Sulieman Benn, 10 Nikita Miller, 11 Kemar Roach

For the West Indies keep an eye out for the one and only Chris Gayle. He will tear this attack apart from the get-go, and a century from the big man is a high possibility.

If Ryan ten Doeschate can lead a display of similar resilience as they showed against England, setting a decent target, or chasing one down, may not be out of reach for the Dutch.

Cast your attention to Alexei Kervezee here as he looks to make his mark.He has announced his ambition to play for England, and his performances for Worcestershire suggest that this is not out of reach. The Dutch can't rely on ten Doeschate to score hundreds every time he bats and Kervezee has the advantage of opening the batting.

West Indies are also short on wicket-taking bowlers, but in Kemar Roach they have one of the fastest on show at the World Cup.

When looking at the pitch mid week, Ottis Gibson, the West Indies coach, said he was surprised the pitch didn't slow up more against South Africa. There are also contrasting views on how important the dew factor will be here in the second innings.

All eyes will be on the West Indies and whether they can come up with a commanding performance.

Interesting Statistic: The two teams have only met once before at ODI level and West Indies cruised to a 10-wicket victory.