Scott Edwards has officially stepped down as the captain of the Netherlands national cricket team, concluding a tenure that spanned 56 ODIs. His leadership role, which began in June 2022 following the first ODI of England’s tour of the Netherlands when he replaced Pieter Seelaar, ended officially at the conclusion of the Utrecht leg of the CWC League 2 matches this past Friday.
During his time at the helm, Edwards led the Dutch side in 56 ODIs, securing 24 victories and suffering 29 defeats. His captaincy was highlighted by notable triumphs, including significant wins against South Africa in Dharamsala and Bangladesh in Kolkata during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Edwards also captained the team in 50 T20Is out of the 86 matches he has played, with key victories at the 2022 T20 World Cup against Zimbabwe and South Africa, the latter of which resulted in South Africa's elimination from the tournament.
Bas de Leede, the 26-year-old fast-bowling allrounder, will immediately take over the captaincy, starting with the remaining CWC League 2 fixtures. De Leede, frequently cited as one of the team's most talented players, expressed deep gratitude toward the 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter for his selfless leadership.
Reflecting on Edwards' impact, de Leede stated, "I think if I can speak on behalf of the players, you know, you've let us into some really cool battles over the years. And I just want to thank you, for believing in us." De Leede emphasized that Edwards’ communication style and strategic clarity helped players believe in their own abilities, noting that the former captain prioritized the success of individuals and the team above all else. "It doesn't set just the team up for success, but it sets individuals up for success. And I think we should all be very thankful for that, for a guy to be that selfless to put others into the best space to perform. It's pretty f g special. I'm so excited to see what's more to come for you as a player. I think you're a very special player and I can't wait to lead you on the field," de Leede added.
