B.B.O.T.D - Left arm class

Two south paws, one thousand three hundred and twenty four international wickets among them. Incidentally, both hailing from two small countries as well. Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas a.k.a Vaas or Vasi & Daniel Luca Vettori a.k.a Dan the man share their birthday on this very day. Apart from being left arm bowlers and coming from island nations like Sri Lanka and New Zealand, both of them have been highly instrumental in the cricket played by the respective countries.

Vaas, the older of the two, known very well for his control of line and length at which he bowls. Undoubtedly, the best seam bowler Sri Lanka have produced. With 755 international dismissals (and more if he gets to play on ODI’s) to his credit Vaas has genuinely lead the attack from the front. Often in the shadows of team mate Muttiah Muralitharan, Vaas’s credit can be delayed but not denied. Having broken so many records with the ball, Vaas has been a useful batsman lower down the order. He has scored over 3000 runs in tests and 2000+ runs in ODI’s. He also has a test century under his belt. Vaas has taken two hat tricks in ODI’s and also has the best bowling figures in ODI’s that of 8 for 19 which came against minnows Zimbabwe. He has also the rare distinction of claiming wickets of the first three balls of the game. With 400 ODI victims Vaas stands only behind the likes of Akram, Waqar and Murali. Vaas will always be known for his impeccable line and length and undying fighting spirit.

Dan the man Vettori, started at a very early age. Probably the youngest Kiwi to play test cricket. Started of as a left-arm slow orthodox bowler today is ranked as the best spinners in the world. Vettori has gone from strength to strength as a cricketer. His ability with the ball has never been questioned with over 569 international wickets to his name and counting.. But, from the time of Stephen Fleming’s departure Vettori has proved to be an able leader as well. Vettori’s skills with the bat have only improved with time. He has 5 test centuries and almost 4000 runs with a batting avg of 30 to his name. A distinction he can be proud of which includes him in the illustrious company of Sir Richard Hadlee, Chris Cairns and Chris Harris. Recently, we saw him bat at no.6 which most likely he will retain for some time.

Regardless of the numbers, Vaas & Vettori will be remembered as greats to have represented their countries in the international arena. For this and more they are the Bday bums of the day! “HAPPY BDAY!”