“I have no real chance of getting back into the South African team”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

On Friday, South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Vilas became the latest Proteas player to give up his international career in favour of a Kolpak deal.

By doing so, Vilas followed in the footsteps of pace bowler Kyle Abbott, batsman Rilee Rossouw and all-rounder David Wiese.

But, why exactly did the 31-year-old sacrifice playing for his country in order to sign a two-year deal with Lancashire?

Vilas admitted that it was simply down to the fact that he believes his international career is over as fellow wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has cemented his place in all three squads with a number of strong performances.

“Quinnie has played so well that I have no real chance of getting back into the South African team,” Vilas told the Cape Cobras website. “Another factor in my decision to play for Lancashire is that my wife, Pippa, has family over there. Her mother and her two brothers and sister live in the United Kingdom.”

Vilas, who played six Tests and one Twenty20 International, will join Lancashire in March as he is currently playing domestic cricket in South Africa.