espnstar.com caught up with Sri Lanka's legendary fast bowler Chaminda Vaas for an exclusive chat.

By Sudeer Mahavaadi

Q: How tough was it for you when you call it quits from Test cricket?

A: It was very tough but everyone has to retire at the end. So I thought it was the right time for me to call it a day from Test cricket. I shall be playing one-dayers and T20s as and when I get chance. I have played for more than 15 years. You have to be very positive in what you do. I am glad I played 111 Test matches and was very pleased with what I achieved. I have never let anyone down. Everything went right for me during my career.

Q: It is difficult to be replace Chaminda Vaas. But do you have anyone in mind who can achieve 50 per cent of what you had achieved?

A: There are some very good fast bowlers coming up in Sri Lanka. In the last two series if you look at their performances you will realise that they are ready to fill into my shoes. They seem to be in very good frame too. If they really play to their potential I am sure they can win matches for the country and make name for themselves.

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Q: How would you like to offer your services to the upcoming cricketers?

A: I am ready to help them out. But I myself is still actively involved as I said, my aim to play next the World Cup and I am working hard to get back into the team. After the retirement from international cricket, I would offer my services to the budding cricketers.

Q: Do you feel that the top domestic teams from different countries would be able to provide good entertainment during the Airtel Champions League Twenty20?

A: Certainly. I am waiting for it to begin. After I had retired from Test cricket I decided to play one-day and T20 cricket. I am just waiting for an opportunity once again to show to the people who I am and what I am.

Q: You were desperately missed during the ICC Champions Trophy. What do you have to say on that?

Ans: That is how the game goes about. One day you win and one day lose. But you have got to be consistent to be number one.

Q: What do you think went wrong with Sri Lanka?

A: It was not easy there. I thought we had a good chance to beat New Zealand after beating the mighty South Africans. We made quite a few mistakes in fielding that I thought was the reason for our exit.

Q: Do you think the 50-50 format needs certain modifications?

A: I think cricket is getting better and better. I am not sure whether changes are mandatory in 50-50 version. Cricket lovers are still enjoying it. The rules are fairly fair in this format. The batsmen and the bowlers have good chances to show their talent. However, it is true that T20 format does provide entertainment and yet I think 50-50 would go on.

Q: Sri Lanka are going to play Test series in India. How do you rate their chances?

A: It will be a tough challenge for us to perform in India. But having beaten Pakistan and New Zealand recently at home, the confidence should be high. Many players know the conditions there and can give good fight to the Indians.

Q: Do you have any plans to start any academy in future?

A: Future is not in our hands. I am still enjoying my cricket and as I repeatedly mentioned that my main aim is to play till the next World Cup. I am confident of playing in the 2011 World Cup. I may start pone academy once I fully retire from cricket. I am also working for a bank now. I may go for coaching as well. I think I am going to be left with many options.

Q: Indian pacemen cut a sorry figure in South Africa. Wat would you like to suggest to the fast bowlers?

A: I think they bowled well in some spells. But what I have always realised is that you have to train pretty hard all the time. There is no shortcut for the fast bowlers. You have to sacrifice a lot of your stuff and have to be very disciplined. I am sure they will work hard on their mistakes.

Q; Would you like your children to become cricketers?

A: Well, No!

Q: Why not? Cricket gave you name and fame.

A: That is true. But I want them to concentrate mainly on their studies at the moment. Being a cricketer, you get tired and I just want them to grow in a different way. I mean, I am not going to compel them to take cricket.

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