Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas, left, is hugged by his wife Wasana, center, as their other family members look on at a presentation ceremony after the end of play on the last day of the third cricket Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, July 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)

His last Test Match wasn’t a spectacular one for Chaminda Vaas, but nevertheless he received a well deserved rousing farewell from team-mates, cricket officials and fans as the third Test Match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan ended in a draw at the Singhalese Sports Club ground yesterday.

Speaking to journalists at the post match conference, Vaas regretted not making most of his batting talents. He did manage to score a Test hundred towards the later part of his career and retires as the tenth all time highest run getter for Sri Lanka in Tests with 3089 runs at 24:32, but critics feel he didn’t do justice to his batting talents.

"Sadly, I realized how important batting was only in the latter part of my career. I began to enjoy batting more towards the last four or five years," Vaas said.

One of Vaas’ best efforts with the bat came when he batted for over four hours to score an unbeaten half-century at Lord’s to ensure the Test ended in a draw in 2006.

While Vaas thanked all who had helped him to reach the pinnacle of Sri Lankan cricket as country’s all time great fast bowler, he had special mention for his first Test captain, Arjuna Ranatunga and believed Kumar Sangakkara will be equally efficient in time to come.

"Arjuna was such a strong leader and had a great influence on me and Kumar has proved in a very short time that he can be a fine leader as well," Vaas said.

In giving the player a grand send off, SLC had invited his family members to witness the last day’s play at SSC and Vaas was emotional towards the end of proceedings. "This is an emotional time for me. I have played international cricket for the last 16 years with pride and performed at the best of my ability. I can confidently say that I have given my 100 % to my country. In return cricket has made me what I am today. I am grateful for all that I have received. I’ve always adopted a non-confrontational and non-controversial approach in my Test career and I do not intend doing things differently today."

He placed the great left arm seamer Wasim Akram as his role model.