India’s batsmen will excel: Vaas

Mumbai, May 17: Former Sri Lanka pacer Chaminda Vaas believes that Indian batsmen will pose a threat to other teams at the Champions Trophy in England from June 1.

“These guys (the bowlers) are really good, but how they assess the conditions in England (will be crucial). India have talent, combinations, different bowling attack swing, seam, but I am sure that they will use their experience and they will do well.

“More than bowling the batters in the Indian side will do well in the Champions Trophy,” Vaas told reporters here.

The Indian attack for the Champions Trophy comprises Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

India open their campaign against Pakistan on June 4.

The Sri Lankan speedster is in the city to coach selected players of the Mitsui Shoji T20 league.

Vaas also expressed hope that Sri Lanka, who are rebuilding, will perform well in the multi-nation tournament.

WOAKES KEEN TO REPLICATE IPL FORM All-rounder Chris Woakes is fit and raring to resume his England commitments after an enriching maiden stint in this year’s Indian Premier League, the 28year-old has said.

Woakes claimed 17 victims in 13 matches with his pace bowling to emerge as KKR’s leading wicket-taker before flying out to join the England squad in Spain.

“T20 cricket is a good experience to have behind you going into an ODI tournament because you still have to bowl in death overs,” Woakes told ESPNcricinfo.

“And it is almost just an extended version of T20. So clearly it would keep me in good stead going into an ODI tournament.” — PTI