Chaminda Vaas appointed Ireland’s bowling consultant for WT20

“I’m very excited to be joining the backroom staff of the Ireland team,” Vaas said. “There’s a lot of talent and experience in the squad which I’m confident I can add to.”

Vaas, who represented Sri Lanka in 111 Tests and 322 One-Day Internationals having accumulated 755 wickets across formats, will remain with the Ireland squad until the end of the tournament.

“I’ve played with and against some of the guys during my time in county cricket with Middlesex and Northants. I’m relishing the prospect of sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve picked up during my 20-plus years in the game.”

John Bracewell, Ireland’s head coach, recognises the prowess and wealth of experience that Vaas brings along with him. “It’s great to have Chaminda with us through the build-up as well as during the T20 World Cup,” he said. “I have long been an admirer of his skills and like all the Sri Lankan cricketers of his era he was a great problem-solver.

“His ability to get wickets in all forms of the game especially on the subcontinent was extraordinary. This experience will be invaluable to our bowling group.”

In the first round of the tournament, Ireland will face Bangladesh, Oman and the Netherlands.