Cook misses opener with hip injury but Vilas ready for action
NEW Lancashire wicketkeeper Dane Vilas is fully aware of the controversies surrounding becoming a Kolpak player, but the South African admits the opportunity at Lancashire was impossible to turn down.
Vilas signed a two-year Kolpak deal with the Red Rose in January, meaning he can no longer represent South Africa.
The 31-year-old has scored 94 runs in six Test matches for his country, but says the form of Quinton de Kock played a huge part in his decision.
As did the chance to test himself in England – despite the opposition of some, who view Kolpak players as detrimental to the rise of young British talent.
“It has been a tough decision but I looked at the way Quinton is playing at the moment and he’s gone from strength to strength,” said Vilas, who earlier this week signed a deal with the Durban-based Dolphins franchise for the 2017-18 season.
“I looked at all those scenarios and then I got the opportunity that Lancashire offered me and I just thought that at this stage of my career it was something I wanted to look at.
“It’s a bit difficult at this stage with the guys who are signing Kolpak and obviously some people feel that you’re turning your back on your country.
“I don’t have any bad words or negatives about South African cricket. I love it and I love the time I had there.
“For me it was about opportunities. I just thought at this stage in my career it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
“County cricket is something that a lot of people want to play, it’s one of the best leagues in the world to play in and challenge yourself.
“All the guys who have come over have only got good things to say about it, so I’ve always wanted to play county cricket and this was a way for me to play.
“I know it’s going to be tough, I know there are lots of challenges that I haven’t faced before but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Vilas’ first taste of county cricket could come today against Essex, with Lancashire hopeful that Haseeb Hameed – who suffered a hand injury, but no bone damage, against Cambridge MCCU earlier this week – will be ready for the opener.
Essex, however, have not been so lucky with Alastair Cook ruled out of what would have been his maiden first-class outing since stepping down as England captain, with a hip problem.
“I’ve got a sore hip, which is not getting right,” Cook said. “We’re going to go for a different bit of treatment and hopefully it will be all right for Somerset. It’s just frustrating to miss the first game.”