The Netherlands Cricket Board (KNCB) today announced that Michael Dighton will represent the Dutch team in the forthcoming Clydesdale Bank 40 League competition for 2010.

Dighton, aged 34 at the start of the season, who has previously played for Derbyshire, Hampshire, Tasmania and Western Australia, has 88 List A matches behind him, with a top score of 146* for Tasmania in the 2007-08 Pura Cup campaign.

Dighton commented: ‘I am really looking forward to representing the Netherlands in the Clydesdale Bank 40 League this season. I will use my experience and leadership qualities to help the whole squad in all areas of the demanding modern game.

‘It is an exciting time in Dutch cricket and participation in this tournament will give the squad great exposure to a high standard of cricket.’

National Coach Peter Drinnen is also pleased to see Dighton in a squad depleted by the absence of Ryan Ten Doeschate, Alexei Kervezee and the recently retired Edgar Schiferli.

‘Michael will bring that general “know-how” to the games for senior and junior players alike,’ Drinnen said, ‘and give us the opportunity to have a well respected cricketer within our ranks for most of the season.

‘It is increasingly difficult to find overseas players for a full season and having Mike resident in the Netherlands for a summer combining his club duties with VOC Rotterdam is an added boost.’

Dighton will appear in the first game v Yorkshire at Headingley on 15 May.