Vilas can’t wait to learn from Jayawardene

CHRIS OSTICK

DANE Vilas is 31, has played Test cricket for South Africa, has amassed 10,000 runs in all formats of the game and has played with and against some of cricket’s biggest names – but even he can’t wait to learn from Lancashire’s new signing Mahela Jayawardene.

The Red Rose last week announced the Sri Lanka legend will join the club this summer for their NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

Jayawardene has done it all. He is the fourth highest run-scorer in the history of international cricket, played an amazing 448 one-day internationals, scored 11,814 runs in 149 Test matches, and helped Sri Lanka to the T20 World Cup. He is currently coaching the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Lancashire are hoping that - along with scoring runs - he will help develop some of the club’s younger players while he is at Emirates Old Trafford. But Vilas admits the more experienced players will be looking to learn from Jayawardene too.

“He has a huge amount of experience, having played all around the world, and he is going to be a brilliant asset to our team,” said Vilas, who is in his first season with Lancashire.

“A guy with that experience can only add massive value.

“I am looking forward to picking his brain and learning from him.

“That’s what each player wants to do – learn and grow and get better. I am sure he will have a few tips and tricks for us.”