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 thetouring squad in England after Pakistan suffered a humiliating 354-run firstTest 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 whenrequired," the board said in a statement.
Kaneria, Pakistan's mostexperienced Test bowler with 60 appearances, said he was disappointed at nolonger being a part of the touring squad for the remaining Tests.
"Irespect the decision of the selectors and management but I am confident ofmaking a strong comeback because it's a challenge for me to prove to everyonethat I am yet not finished at the top level," Kaneria said fromEssex.
The leg-spinner said he had some absorbing and helpful sessions with former Australian great,
Shane Warne.
"He gave me somegood tips and hopefully I will work out the minor issues but overall I feel I ambowling 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 toEngland at Nottingham was a big disappointment for him as the bowlers did acommendable job.
"I and others did their best but luck didn't favourus. 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 thatthe issue of the Essex police investigating allegations that he and anotherplayer had been involved in spot fixing during a county match, has not deter hisconfidence and concentration.
"That is not an issue because I aminnocent but obviously I am disappointed myself I have been released this wayfrom the team," he added.
Pakistan interestingly have included ayoung rookie left arm spinner, Reza Hasan into the touring squad to replaceKaneria.