Chaminda Vaas, skipper Arjuna Ranatunga's 'hit man' will not have to suffer the agony of an operation on his damaged right ankle and hobble about in crutches -- at least till the end of this tour.
According to cricket manager Duleep Mendis, the reason for having to delay the operation is because Nuwan Zoysa who was flown in to bolster the attack has unfortunately suffered a twisted knee and although Zoysa sent down two overs in the South African second innings of this test, is not likely to bowl again.
But physio Alex Kountouri is working hard on Zoysa's injury hoping to have this lanky paceman fit as soon as possible. In the event that Kountouri does not succeed, it will be bad luck on Zoysa as he will be sent back.
With the two Test matches over, the tour selectors have asked Vaas whether he could play in the one-dayers, beginning with a game against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg next Sunday.
Vaas who understands how depleted the Lankan attack is, had informed tour selectors that being one-dayers he will be able to cope with the pain and send down the 10 overs in short spells.
Mendis had consulted the surgeon who was to have operated on Vaas, and the surgeon had said that if Vaas is willing he could go on.
Vaas will probably have the operations done after the tour.