Vaas eyes long stint as fast-bowling coach
Fast-bowling legend Chaminda Vaas expects a long term stint with the national team after he was appointed as national team’s fast-bowling coach for the forthcoming tour of West Indies.
Vaas is arguably the most successful seamer Sri Lanka has ever produced having claimed 355 Test and 400 ODI wickets in a career spanning well over 15 years. His vast experience in bowling in tough conditions would help Sri Lanka prepare for the series against the West Indies.
The 47-year-old fitness freak replaces Australian David Saker who has abandoned the team 14 months into his contract with the national team.
“I don’t think I can perform miracles in one series. You need time to understand the players and then work with them. The board has given me an assurance of a long-term stint with the team,” Vaas told the Sunday Times.
“I would give my best to prepare the players both mentally and physically for the challengers on offer.”
A World Cup winning cricketer, Vaas has had previous stints with the national team. He was appointed fast-bowling coach in early 2013, and has overseen a World T20 victory and a Test series win in England during his tenure, with Sri Lanka’s quicks playing a significant role in both those results. However, the board did not extend his contract with the senior team after the World Cup in 2015.
The series against West Indies starts with the limited over leg which includes three T20Is and three ODIs before playing a two-match Test series.