For someone with more than 300 Test wickets,its not easy to cope with the mediocrity of grade cricket. Chaminda Vaas,however,had no qualms as he dished out a thoroughly professional performance to help Mohun Bagan win the JC Mukherjee Trophy quarter-final match against Shyambazar at Jadavpur University Campus ground on Friday. The Sri Lankan seamer bowled in the right areas,and with the bat,he made a handy 38 as Bagan were home and dry in 16 overs,winning by six wickets. This is the first time I played a club match in India. Its a good feeling,especially when I contributed with both bat and ball. Im really glad we won the match, Vaas said. I want to contribute in whatever way I can. These youngsters are the future of India. My captain Manoj Tiwary is a fantastic player, he added. More than his bowling (1 for 16 in 4 overs),it was his batting that delighted the crowd an unusually large one for club cricket. Im basically a fast bowler. But at this level,you get to bat as well. When you get older,you have to get runs. I always enjoy batting whenever I get a chance,whether its at club level or international level. The Sri Lankan selectors omitted him from the squad that would be touring Pakistan. Vaas,however,appears unperturbed. The selectors are having a different view and they are trying out a few youngsters to give them some exposure before the World Cup. Thats fair enough,the youngsters need opportunity to come up and showcase their talent, he said,adding: I am always there. I am playing Test cricket,but Im there for one-day cricket as well.
