Former Sri Lanka spearhead Chaminda Vaas praised fast bowler Lasith Malinga for always giving his best, whether for club or country.
On Malinga’s selection for the World Cup, Vaas said: “There is no doubt that he (Malinga) is one of the best in the world and the best in Sri Lanka. We depend on him as a bowler and he has shown leadership qualities too.
“He has given 100% for the team and we recently saw him play in Mumbai (one day) and Sri Lanka the next day. It shows his commitment to the team and country. He will be a key player at the World Cup.”
The 45-year-old Vaas will share his vast knowledge with trainees at the Mumbai Cricket Club’s Cricket for Excellence programme feels experienced batsman Dinesh Chandimal should have been in the team.
“Chandi performed well (6, 34, 33, 80) in the ODI series against England in Sri Lanka and I thought he should have been in the side, this is my personal opinion. But it’s the selectors and coach who have chosen the team,” he said.
Vaas believes the team under Dimuth Karunaratne will pull together.
“There are expectations from the team and each player. Dimuth has been playing Test cricket, and did wonders in the series against South Africa,” he said.
Vaas, however, opined that Sri Lanka needed a settled selection panel and fixed selection policy in order to build a strong team.
Former Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Rangana Herath said there would be assistance for spinners during the World Cup.
“I am sure the spinners will get their chance. Leg-spinners may give away runs, but you need wicket-taking options. Finger-spinners need control with accuracy to be successful,” he said.
Hendricks for Joseph
South African left-arm pacer Beuran Hendricks has been signed by Mumbai Indians as a replacement for the injured Alzarri Joseph. He will join the squad before the match against CSK in Chennai on Friday.
