Northamptonshire release Vaas

ESPNcricinfo: Northamptonshire have decided not to renew Chaminda Vaas’ contract for 2013, citing the 38-year-old’s troubles with fitness last season. A variety of injuries saw the former Sri Lanka seam bowler play in only six of Northants’ 16 Division Two Championship matches and he also missed much of the Clydesdale Bank 40.

Vaas had been a key player in his first two seasons with Northants but it was felt his fitness was not worth gambling on for another year. “I have felt for Chaminda as he has strived for fitness but has just not been able to beat the injuries this year,” Northants Coach David Ripley said.

“A real gentleman of cricket, we wish him all the very best in his future. He has contributed a great deal to Northants cricket during his time here, but I would also pay tribute to his standing in the international list of greats.”

Vaas was named the Most Valuable Player in the Friends Life T20 competition in 2010, his first season with the county, and was Northamptonshire’s highest wicket-taker in 2011, with 70 Championship scalps at 21.11. He has also played for Middlesex, Hampshire and Worcestershire in county cricket.

Vaas is Sri Lanka’s most successful seam bowler, having taken 355 wickets in Tests, and 399 in ODIs.