Sri Lanka's veteran speedster surprised at call-up for World Cup final
Sri Lanka's veteran speedster surprised at call-up for World Cup final
Veteran fast bowler Chaminda Vaas is both shocked and thrilled at being asked to join the Sri Lankan squad ahead of the World Cup final against India in Mumbai on Saturday.
Vaas and Suraj Randiv have been called up as cover for Muttiah Muralitharan and Angelo Mathews who are struggling with various injuries.
"It's a terrific feeling just to be visiting Mumbai for this great occasion. I am both shocked and happy, it's a dream come true," Vaas told MiD DAY yesterday.
Great occasion
"I am glad that the selectors still have faith in me. I am excited to join the team. It'll be a great moment. I will leave the game after the World Cup, there could be no greater occasion to bow out," the 1996 World Cup-winning seamer said.
During that tournament, Vaas took only six wickets from six games, but at a miserly economy rate of 3.93.
"Initially, I didn't have any regrets about not making the squad as Nuwan (Kulasekara) and Angelo (Mathews) have been doing a great job in supporting our strike bowler, Lasith Malinga.u00a0 If I do make the XI, I will try my best to do well," he said.
'Vaasy' has been opening the batting for club team Colts of late.
"I have been working very hard on my batting. I have been opening the batting not just for Colts, but also for English counties and other provisional sides," he said.
"I really take pride in my batting, and I hope to contribute lower down the order for Sri Lanka if I play in the final."
Asked to compare the champion side of 1996 with the current one, Vaas said: "It's very difficult to compare the two sides. We had a fantastic team then, and this side is very good too.
"They have different strengths, but both have gelled together well. I think this side is playing a fantastic brand of cricket at the moment.
"Even if I don't play the final, I am going to back them through and through to get the job done sitting in the dressing room."
Vaas has seen the evolution of left-arm fast bowling counterpart Zaheer Khan from a brash youngster to a master craftsman. He tipped the Mumbai bowler to play a key role in the final.
Zaheer has matured
"Zaheer has matured a lot now. I have seen him develop into a top-class fast bowler. Most importantly, he has learnt the art of bowling in the subcontinent conditions," Vaas said.
"He is doing a great job for India, mostly bowling in good areas, and using reverse swing to great use. I expect him to play a big role for India in the final, Mumbai is also his hometown."
