Vilas becomes latest South African Test cricketer to join the Kolpak bandwagon

27 January 2017 - 13:50 By Khanyiso Tshwaku
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A file photo of India's Shikhar Dhawan (R) reacting after playing a shot as South Africa's wicketkeeper Dane Vilas (C) and captain Hasham Amla (L) look on during the third day of the fourth Test cricket match between India and South Africa at The Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on December 5, 2015.
A file photo of India's Shikhar Dhawan (R) reacting after playing a shot as South Africa's wicketkeeper Dane Vilas (C) and captain Hasham Amla (L) look on during the third day of the fourth Test cricket match between India and South Africa at The Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on December 5, 2015.
Image: AFP PHOTO / Money SHARMA

Cape Cobras wicketkeeper/batsman Dane Vilas is the latest South African test cricketer to join the Kolpak bandwagon.

The 31-year-old has signed a two-year Kolpak contract with midlands county Lancashire alongside legendary West Indian batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul‚ who has signed as the club's overseas player.

Vilas joins the likes of Kyle Abbott‚ Rilee Rossouw‚ Simon Harmer‚ Stiaan van Zyl and Hardus Viljoen as Test players who have struggled to resist the lure of the pound.

Vilas made his Test debut against Bangladesh in 2015 and played in six test matches.

But like most stumpers in South Africa‚ he's had to play second fiddle to Quinton de Kock's extreme batting and keeping talents.

  • 'Superstar' Ngidi cracks nod for ODI seriesLungi Ngidi has bowled his way into South Africa’s squad for the first three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka. 

Vilas played the last of his half-dozen Test matches in last year's seven-wicket loss to England at the Wanderers where Stuart Broad's mesmerizing second innings spell razed the Proteas and delivered the series to the visitors.

Vilas has taken part in 96 first-class matches having collected 7580 runs at an average of just under 40.

He will be joining the Red Roses in March and newly appointed head coach Glen Chapple said Vilas is an excellent acquisition for the club.

Chanderpaul and Vilas are replacements for former South African Test players Ashwell Prince and Alviro Petersen.

  • Elgar rejoins English county side Somerset‚ but not as a Kolpak playerMuch to the relief of South African cricket‚ gritty Test opener Dean Elgar will be rejoining English county side Somerset‚ but not as a Kolpak player. 

The former retired‚ became a national selector and moved into coaching while the latter is serving a ban for match-fixing.

“Signing a player of Dane’s undoubted calibre and experience is a great boost as we continue our preparations ahead of the new season.

"He has an excellent record in First Class cricket and is a very good wicket keeper.

"Dane’s aggressive batting style will see him as an important part of our T20 and one-day sides in 2017‚ as well as four day cricket‚” Chapple said on the club's website.

- TMG Digital

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