SKIPPER Mark Evenson labelled Alexei Kervezee’s contribution both on and off the pitch as ‘immeasurable’ after the Dutchman announced his departure from Bromsgrove following 11 years with the Boars.
The 28-year-old brings the curtain down on a lengthy spell at the St Godwald’s Park side where he made 143 appearances, scored 5,737 runs at an average of 43.36 and claimed 115 wickets from 819 overs.
The Namibian-born former Netherlands international’s highest score was an unbeaten 174 in a 133-run victory over Old Hill in 2015.
His best bowling figures came in a six-wicket victory over Wombourne in 2014 where he picked up 7-43.
“Kervezee’s service to us over the past 11 years has been immeasurable,” Evenson told the Standard.
“It is going to be very hard to replace somebody who gets you 700 to 800 runs and 20 wickets a season.
“In the changing rooms he is always the first to spell out in simple terms what we can do to improve.
“He has also brought up the young guys like Ryan Pedley, who went on to score more than 500 runs this year which is incredible.
“We are going to miss Alexei dearly but we wish him all the best in the future.”
After being released by County Championship Division Two champions Worcestershire in July, Kervezee has been searching for a way back into professional cricket.
Evenson revealed Bromsgrove’s sixth-highest run scorer has approached the Netherlands Cricket Board to try and play for the national team again in one-day cricket.
Kervezee will also be playing for and captaining Birmingham League Division One new boys Halesowen next season.
“Alexei is trying to get back into first-class cricket to supplement a way of living through the sport,” Evenson added.
“And on Saturday he decided it was time to move on.
“We are very disappointed to see him go because he is a very experienced and knowledgeable chap but we understand he is at the time of his life where he wants a fresh challenge.”
With a gaping hole left in the Boars’ ranks, Evenson revealed Bromsgrove would be in contact with Worcestershire’s director of cricket Steve Rhodes to see if they could strike a deal to bring one of the Pears’ title-winning squad members to St Godwald’s Park.
The Boars skipper is also looking at other recruitment options.
“Alexei is effectively two players in one so it is going to be hard to find someone who can score nearly 1,000 runs a season as well as going through ten to 17 overs of bowling a game,” said Evenson.
