Dane Vilas announces Lancashire departure

joy

Dane Vilas, the accomplished former South African wicketkeeper, is preparing to bid farewell to Lancashire at the close of this season, culminating a noteworthy seven-year chapter in county cricket. A prominent figure in the sport, Vilas, aged 38, is gradually winding down his illustrious first-class career, which commenced in 2006 and included six Test match appearances for South Africa. Despite his impending departure from Lancashire, his cricket journey is far from over, with expectations of his participation in the upcoming 2023-24 SA20.

Vilas embarked on his Lancashire adventure in 2017 as a Kolpak player, swiftly ascending to a leadership role within the team. Serving as captain for over four seasons, his tenure witnessed commendable successes, leading the club to T20 Finals Day on three occasions and clinching the runner-up position in the Championship in both 2021 and 2022. While he relinquished the captaincy earlier this year, his contributions have been significant, even though his recent performance may not reflect his historical prowess.

During his tenure with Lancashire, Vilas exhibited exceptional batting skills, amassing a total of 4277 runs at an impressive average of 38.88 across 85 first-class appearances. His standout moment came in 2019 when he notched a career-best 266 at Colwyn Bay, an instrumental contribution that facilitated the club's promotion from Division Two. His impact extended beyond the longer format, as he accumulated 1494 runs in T20 cricket at a formidable strike rate of 136.43. In List A encounters, he remains a force to be reckoned with, boasting an average of 53.48 alongside four centuries. As the sun sets on his Lancashire stint, the cricketing community acknowledges Vilas's indelible mark on the county game. Despite the inevitable changes, his legacy continues to resonate through his exceptional performances, leadership, and dedication.

crick03@1

It has been an extremely difficult decision for any player of any game's , good luck for your future