SPORTS

Vaas to retire from Test cricket

July 20, 2009 11:57 IST

Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas will retire from Test cricket after the third and final match against Pakistan, the fast bowler announced on Sunday.

The 35-year-old had been recalled to the squad earlier in the week after being overlooked for the first two Tests, a move that prompted speculation he would be given a farewell match after Sri Lanka took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

The third Test against Pakistan started on Monday.

"I have decided to retire from Test cricket after this test match," Vaas said after Sri Lanka's final practice session.

Vaas, who took 354 wickets in 110 Tests in a career spanning 15 years, is expected to replace spinner Ajantha Mendis in the final game to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara paid tribute to Vaas after the announcement.

"Vaas is a true champion and probably the only Sri Lankan fast bowler who can be called a true legend of the game," he said.

"No matter who replaces Vaasy in the bowling attack they will take years and years to reach the standards he has set -- and maybe they never will.

"He has got a great part to play in our one-day set-up until the World Cup in 2011 and maybe beyond it as long as he is fit," he added.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email