Former Sri Lankan Test batsman joins Parkdale for 2019-20

What a coup for Cricket Southern Bayside club Parkdale, regaining former Sri Lankan Test opener Michael Vandort.

PARKDALE has put down a brick in the road to a prosperous 2019-20 season in Cricket Southern Bayside by signing former international Michael Vandort.

The tall and stylish left-hander is returning to the Dales, where he was club champion.

He has spent the past four seasons with Springvale South in the Dandenong District Cricket Association.

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In last season’s gripping grand final he crafted 91 as South fell fractionally short in its chase of Buckley Ridges’ total of 6-326.

Vandort played for Parkdale in 2014-15, peeling off 695 runs at 49.6, with three centuries.

Those figures could be expected from a player who in 20 Test matches for Sri Lanka hit 1144 runs at an average of 36.90, with two centuries against England and two against Bangladesh.

His last Test was against Bangladesh in 2008.

“He’s a massive signing for us,’’ Parkdale skipper Anthony Reid said this afternoon.

“Absolutely thrilled to have him back. He’ll bolster our batting and help our young kids develop their cricket.

“I was coming through the ranks when he was first here and it was amazing to watch him, just how much time he had.

“The first time we ever saw him play, he left one and all the boys were in awe of that. And then he punched one off the back foot and it hit a bin and bounced back on the ground. We were amazed at his ball striking.’’

Adam Gilchrist watches on as Michael Vandort sweeps in a Test match at the Gabba in 2007-08.

Parkdale competed in the Championship Division of Cricket Southern Bayside for the first time last season and finished seventh on the eight-team ladder.

With Mordialloc entering the competition and going straight to the Championship, CSB officials have to decide whether to drop Parkdale to Division 1 or promote Division 1 premier Aspendale.

Vandort’s arrival doubtless strengthens the Dales’ case to remain in the top grade.

“With Michael signing on and us having a few other players in the mix and not far away from being signed up, we feel we hold a pretty strong case to keep our spot in the Championship,’’ Reid said.

“Obviously it would be a little bit unfortunate for Aspendale but with Mordi coming in and being such a great side … we feel we deserve to be there.’’