I was an UberEats delivery driver and worked for software company – now I’m out to deny England spot in major tournament

PAUL VAN MEEKEREN has gone from delivering food to fast bowls at the Cricket World Cup in just three years.

The Dutch star was hoping to represent his nation at the T20 World Cup in Australia but it was postponed due to the pandemic in 2020.

AFP

Paul van Meekeren delivered food to people’s homes during the pandemic[/caption]

He instead worked as an Uber Eats driver in Bristol to make ends meet.

Van Meekeren also kept busy in lockdown by setting up the Dutch Players Association and he later picked up a part-time role as a software engineer.

He is now back at the wicket and is one of the Netherlands’ most vital players at the World Cup.

Reflecting on his old jobs, Van Meekeren told The Mail: “All of those experiences made me a better person and actually make you enjoy your cricket more as you appreciate how lucky you are.

“People talk about life after cricket and those experiences will set me up for life after the game.”

But at the moment, the 30-year-old has his sights on adding to England’s woes in India.

Jos Buttler’s side have won just one of their seven matches at the tournament and have already been eliminated.

Meanwhile, the Dutch recorded surprise victories over South Africa and Bangladesh to keep their hopes alive.

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If England suffer defeat to the Netherlands tomorrow they could lose their spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Van Meekeren is relishing the challenge, saying: “They’re a dangerous team but looking at their results and looking at ours, why can’t we beat them?

“There must be some doubts in that changing room. There’s probably no better time to play England.”