Kaneria being wasted by Pakistan: Saqlain

LAHORE: Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has criticised Pakistan selectors for not picking leg-spinner Danish Kaneria for the one-day games, saying the bowler is being wasted by the team management by playing him only in Test matches. “Kaneria is a very experienced bowler and he has quality about him. I would like to see him playing in Tests and other forms of the game as well,” Saqlain said.

Saqlain believed that Kaneria together with off-spinner Saeed Ajmal could form a lethal spin attack for Pakistan in the limited over games. “Pakistan should take advantage of the fact that they have a seasoned bowler like Danish, who with Ajmal can form a potent and effective spin pair for Pakistan in Test and ODI games,” Saqlain was quoted as saying.

Kaneria, who was overlooked in the first two matches of the Sri Lanka series, has taken nearly 250 wickets in the longer version of the game. He was not considered for the one-day international series and the one-off Twenty20 match even after grabbing five wickets in the first innings of the third Test of the three match series. When asked about his new assignment as New Zealand’s spin bowling coach, Saqlain said he accepted the offer as Pakistan cricket administration never contacted him for any coaching job. “I am a professional and I have to earn my living from somewhere,” he said.

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