CRICKET: Chaminda Vaas joins Ireland as consultant bowling coach

The vastly-experienced Sri Lankan will begin his short-term contract when Ireland take on the UAE in two T20 internationals in Abu Dhabi, then stay with the squad during a preparation camp in Chandigarh at the end of February and the tournament itself.

Vaas boasts the best figures by any bowler in limited-overs internationals - 8-19 against Zimbabwe - and it is hoped he will not only be able help the Ireland attack but also pass on his general knowledge of playing cricket on the Indian sub-continent.

“I’m very excited to be joining the backroom staff of the Ireland team,” said the 41-year-old.

“There’s a lot of talent and experience in the squad which I’m confident I can add to. I’ve played with and against some of the guys during my time in county cricket with Middlesex and Northants.

“I’m relishing the prospect of sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve picked up during my 20-plus years in the game.”

Left-armer Vaas took a total of 755 wickets in his 111 Tests and 322 ODIs, and since retiring he has worked as a bowling consultant for both New Zealand and Sri Lanka. He has also coached in the IPL and it is that T20 experience that Ireland are most excited to be able to tap.

“It’s great to have Chaminda with us through the build up as well as during the T20 World Cup,” said Cricket Ireland Head Coach John Bracewell.

“I have long been an admirer of his skills and like all the Sri Lankan cricketers of his era he was a great problem solver.

“His ability to get wickets in all forms of the game especially on the sub-continent was extraordinary. This experience will be invaluable to our bowling group.”

Ireland face Bangladesh, Oman and The Netherlands in the round one group stages of the ICC World Twenty20.

The winners of the group will qualify for the Super 10 phase where they will meet India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.