West Gippsland cricket: Former Sri Lankan Test opener joins Clyde

Michael Vandort has joined West Gippsland club Clyde, which is calling his arrival “the most significant signing’’ in its history. And the Cougars have also recruited two international players.

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

Clyde has laid the foundations to a prosperous 2022-23 season in West Gippsland Cricket Association by signing three internationals.

Former Sri Lankan Test opener Michael Vandort joins the Cougars from Beaconsfield, while young English batsman James North and Sri Lankan first-class paceman Neranjana Wanniarachchi are key additions.

The recruits herald a new, exciting era for Clyde, which has also appointed a new coach, club stalwart Adrian Buller.

He says the Cougars are serious about launching an assault on the top prize in ’22-23.

Vandort’s arrival has created much discussion in West Gippy cricket circles.

Some believe the tall and stylish left-hander is capable of dominating opposition bowling attacks.

Michael Vandort batting for Parkdale. Picture: Hamish Blair

Vandort has spent the past two seasons with Beaconsfield in the Dandenong District Cricket Association, with a best of 116 not out in 2020-21.

He’s also played with Parkdale and Springvale South and peeled off big scores at times — as you’d expect 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.

Buller said he wasn’t putting any pressure on Vandort to perform at Clyde.

“None. We’re not looking at him to score a big amount of runs,’’ he said.

“We have a fairly big Sri Lankan presence in our juniors so it’s more to be able to touch base with them because we can’t get them to come through for some reason.

“All these kids are finishing under 16s and then they either go play somewhere else…so it’s probably more about trying to get him to tap into them.’’

James North in his Cougars shirt.

Young Englishman North will slot into the No.4 batting position for Clyde. He’s been playing alongside former Clyde player Ryan Adams at Golcar in the Huddersfield League.

“I’ve been watching him on a Saturday night through FrogBox,’’ Buller said.

“He’s their number four bat. Very correct. Next thing you know he’s coming to Clyde.’’

Neranjana Wanniarachchi, 24, has played 11 first-class games, taking 13 wickets, with a best of 4-38, and is said to possess raw pace.

“We’ve been told he bowls at about 135 to 140 so he’s a handy addition,’’ Buller said.

Buller said Clyde wasn’t yet finished with recruiting. “We’re talking to a couple of Endeavour Hills boys so hopefully we can get them across the line,’’ he said.

“We just feel we need to start to match it with those top clubs, the Kooweys, Pakey, Tooradin and Cardy…if we can match it with them we’re half a chance I think.

“That’s our aim anyway.

“It’s more about getting us back to where we should be. We worked hard to get to a Premier to start with and I just feel as though we’ve probably lost our way a bit in the last couple of years.

“Pretty excited, looking forward to the challenge.’’

Clyde has lost opening bowler Nick Sadler to rivals Pakenham and left-armer Liam Bennett, who has found the travel too much from his home in Box Hill.

The Cougars begin pre-season training on Sunday, July 24 at Cranbourne Indoor Sports. 10am-11.30am. All players welcome - new and old.