Kaneria determined to win back place

Karachi: Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has vowed to fight his way back into the national team after being released to join county side Essex ahead of their second Test against England at Edgbaston, which starts on Friday.

Kaneria was released from the touring squad in England after Pakistan suffered a humiliating 354-run first Test defeat at Trent Bridge on Sunday. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced that the tour selection committee has agreed to allow Kaneria play for his county, Essex. “He will be called up for national duty when required,” the board said in a statement.Kaneria, Pakistan’s most experienced Test bowler with 60 appearances, said he was disappointed at no longer being a part of the touring squad for the remaining Tests. “I respect the decision of the selectors and management but I am confident of making a strong comeback because it’s a challenge for me to prove to everyone that I am yet not finished at the top level,” Kaneria said from Essex. The leg-spinner said he had some absorbing and helpful sessions with former Australian great, Shane Warne.“He gave me some good tips and hopefully I will work out the minor issues but overall I feel I am bowling well,” he said. Kaneria faced problems during the three Tests he played against Australia and England with wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal and other fielders not providing him 100 per cent support and catches and stumpings being missed off his bowling. Kaneria said the heavy defeat to England at Nottingham was a big disappointment for him as the bowlers did a commendable job. “I and others did their best but luck didn’t favour us. It is a rough patch that I am going through.” The leg-spinner, only the second Hindu to play Test cricket for Pakistan, also made it clear that the issue of the Essex police investigating allegations that he and another player had been involved in spot fixing during a county match, has not deter his confidence and concentration. “That is not an issue because I am innocent but obviously I am disappointed myself I have been released this way from the team,” he added. Pakistan interestingly have included a young rookie left arm spinner, Reza Hasan into the touring squad to replace Kaneria. PTI