BY NITESH REGMI
I always thought there were some similarities between Sri Lankan pace bowler Chaminda Vaas and our own Mehboob Alam. I don’t know if anyone of you has ever realized the same. I am not much aware about the run-up but I feel the throwing action bit similar.
Once I had sent message to Mehboob Alam saying brother you bowl like Vaas and bat like Chanderpaul, he laughed and thanked me for the compliment.
Chamida Vaas (Sri Lanka) and Mehboob Alam (Nepal).
Left arm pace bowlers by nature, both of them are masters of swinging the ball specially bringing the ball back to the right hander. Alam has taken record ten wickets against Mozambique to bowl them out for 19 runs in 14.5 overs.
Chaminda Vaas in not too far away, 8 wickets for 19 runs being his best bowling figures against Zimbabwe to dismiss them for 38. Out of the 10 wickets, Vaas had taken first 8 wickets but unfortunately could not achieve the feat of 10 wickets; the other two were taken by Muthiah Muralitharan. And add to that both of them bat left handed and are renowned for their big hits.
Both the players have served their countries for years and won many matches for their countries. It would not be inappropriate to call them legends of their countries. But the irony is that such prolific players were also dropped from the team while not being at best.
It is the nature of the game, as long as you give your best, you are in the team. But once age is not in your favor, even if you play average, you are likely to be dropped. At that time, your career statistics and profile won’t help you.
A player of the caliber of Chaminda Vaas was dropped from the T20 world cup squad and also two tests against Pakistan. He played the third test which was his last. He announced his retirement from test matches and was available for selection for the 2011 world cup. But he was not picked for the world cup by the selectors. Then he decided to retire from all formats. Not the best way to end the career, but this is how it is.
Same has happened to Mehboob Alam now. He has not made to the squad selected for Division 4. Vaas didn’t get any opportunities to prove the selectors wrong, hope Alam does not end up here like Vaas. He can still come stronger and serve the country as long as he wishes and retire on a high. Best wishes to him…