Anton Roux announced as interim head coach of the Netherlands
Published at 10 April, 2026The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) announces that Anton Roux, former head coach of the Netherlands men’s cricket team, will act as interim head coach of the team when national men’s coach Ryan Cook has commitments elsewhere.
Due to the recent departure of Ryan Van Niekerk to Sri Lanka, who acted as head coach in Ryan Cook’s absence, the KNCB seeked to find a high quality coach who could fulfill these roles.
Anton Roux was player-coach of ACC in 2005 and 2006, coached several clubs in South Africa, and served as head coach of the Netherlands men’s team at the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups. He later held coaching roles with Otago, New Zealand A, Blackcaps (New Zealand), Nottinghamshire, Sri Lanka (as fielding coach), Galle Marvels (as bowling coach), and South Africa (as bowling coach). Most recently, Roux was fielding coach of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
Anton Roux comments on the appointment: “This opportunity has come at a time that fits really well for a lot of reasons. My coaching journey has taken me and my family around the world, but my connection with Dutch cricket has always stayed strong. Since first arriving at ACC in 2005, the Netherlands has become a big part of my life. My wife, Willemijn, is Dutch, I’ve become a Dutch citizen, and our two sons are Dutch, one of whom attends Dutch school once a week in Cape Town, so it means a great deal on a personal level to be back in the Netherlands.”
“I’m really grateful and honoured for the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to meeting the players and getting started. Coaching your home country is always special, it just means that much more on a personal level. I’ve always admired Dutch cricket and the journey the men in orange have been on over the past two decades. I’m proud to have played a small part in that in the past, and I’m excited to reconnect with some familiar faces. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to building on the great work Ryan Cook, Ryan van Niekerk, the staff, and the team have done, and to playing my part in helping the group keep moving forward during an important period.”
National men’s coach Ryan Cook adds: “The Netherlands men’s team has an important and busy upcoming summer and it is great to welcome Anton into the structure to lead the program. He brings with him a deep connection to the Netherlands and experience from around the world in various roles which will be able to help the team in various ways. We look forward to the contribution he can make in preparing and taking the team to the World Cup League 2 Series in Canada.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
