Sussex and Netherlands all-rounder Bas Zuiderent was as pleased as anyone involved in Dutch cricket when his country this week earned qualification for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

For while he may have chosen career ahead of country in the short term, he was a fervent follower on CricInfo of his country's march towards a second World Cup berth. "I was delighted - I followed every ball on CricInfo with my best mate. I was so happy."

The qualification provided relief that an agonising decision had worked out for both him and the country he first played for at the 1996 World Cup.

"I am really, really chuffed that it has worked out the right way," the 24 year old told 'Beyond The Test World' on Friday. "It could have gone horribly wrong, but I have been offered a two year contract with Sussex and the boys have made it through to the World Cup. I am so over the moon for the team, the management and Dutch cricket in general."

It was a decision that was not warmly received, coming not far out from the ICC Trophy itself, but the Rotterdam junior said it was circumstantial.

"It was going to be a very important year being the last of my present contract and then I started making runs so I made the choice to go for my career. If I go away then another player may do well. It wasn't an easy decision - I thought about it day in, day out. The way it has worked out for me and Holland I made the right decision."

He added his relationship with many of the players made the decision more difficult.

"I felt guilty thinking about them as I have played with many of them since I was 16, so it was hard to disagree with them."

Zuiderent is adamant his heart is with the Netherlands and wants to play for his country in future.

"It's not because I didn't want to play for them - whenever I can play for them I will, but I decided three years ago I was going to pursue my professional career and would never have forgiven myself if I didn't give myself every chance."

He said now his position is strengthened he may be able to be more flexible in future where national commitments clash with Sussex's. The club was willing to release Zuiderent for the four week tournament.

Zuiderent, who has played club cricket in South Africa previously, said he would be ecstatic to be chosen for the World Cup.

"There was speculation in the Dutch newspapers that I may not be chosen again, but obviously it is up to the management, but I have to hope they understand why I have done what I have done."

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd