The Netherlands, a country not traditionally associated with cricket, recently found itself in the comedic spotlight on a popular Dutch sports show. The segment titled “Is Nederland goed in cricket?” or “Is the Netherlands good at cricket?” on “De Avondshow Met Arjen Lubach,” a satirical current affairs show hosted by comedian Arjen Lubach, humorously explored the world of cricket. In an unexpected turn, the segment ran for nearly seven minutes, making it one of the lengthiest discussions of cricket on Dutch television.
Lubach and guest Diederik Smit playfully delved into the clichéd aspects of cricket, poking fun at the sport’s lengthy matches and complex rules. However, amidst the humor, they displayed a surprising level of research and knowledge, even referencing the historic Timeless Test of 1939 and discussing the presence of expat players on the Dutch team.
The one-day format was likened to a “9 to 5 job,” given the time zone differences between India and the Netherlands. Clips from Scott Edwards & Co’s remarkable victory over South Africa in Delhi were featured, along with reactions from Indian TV stations. The phrase “Orange is the new Black” brought laughter from the studio audience.
The segment gained attention when Dutch fast bowler Logan van Beek mentioned it in an interview, emphasizing the importance of changing the narrative around cricket in the Netherlands. He hoped that as the Dutch cricket team continued to succeed, the focus would shift from humor to recognizing them as a top sports team in the country, with the aim of inspiring the next generation.
The segment’s appearance on a popular TV show signifies a significant step in bringing cricket into the public eye in the Netherlands, albeit for comedic purposes. It is now up to the Dutch cricket team to ensure that the conversation around cricket extends beyond satire and into a more serious consideration of the sport. The recent win against South Africa did contribute to increased coverage in sports pages, providing a glimmer of hope for the future.
Despite the humor surrounding cricket, it remains a slightly jaded and condescending perspective in the country, even though the sport has been part of Dutch culture for over a century. Changing this perception and fostering greater support for the team is the team’s ongoing mission, as they aim to prove that Nederland is indeed “goed in cricket.” Perhaps a victory against Australia will help sway not only Lubach, Smit, and Dutch audiences but also Dutch tourists exploring the world to embrace the sport and cheer for the Netherlands.
