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Danish Kaneria cleared to return for Essex

Danish Kaneria has been cleared to return for Essex in time for Twenty20 finals day on Saturday

Cricinfo staff
12-Aug-2010
Danish Kaneria is no longer required by Pakistan, but is needed by Essex  •  Getty Images

Danish Kaneria is no longer required by Pakistan, but is needed by Essex  •  Getty Images

Danish Kaneria has been cleared to return for Essex in time for Twenty20 finals day on Saturday. Kaneria was released from the Pakistan squad after the first Test against England and the PCB wanted him to regain form at county level, but the club had already acquired the Australian legspinner Bryce McGain as a replacement overseas player.
However, despite McGain collecting a strong tally of ten wickets in two County Championship matches, he could be forced to make way after the ECB cleared Kaneria to resume his position with Essex. Kaneria will remain with the county for the remainder of the summer, unless he is called back into Pakistan's touring party, which leaves McGain's position in doubt.
"It is obviously great news that Danish will be available for finals day, we are all delighted to welcome him back," Paul Grayson, the Essex coach, said. "He is a top-class performer in Twenty20 cricket and is a match-winner in his own right. He knows us and we know him well and his record is outstanding across all formats of the game."
Kaneria will join Dwayne Bravo as the overseas contingent for Essex in their Twenty20 semi-final against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl. Hampshire will be without the batsman Michael Lumb, who has broken a foot, while Essex are confident Ryan ten Doeschate will play after a long lay-off due to a torn calf.
"The squad is in great shape and is looking strong ahead of Saturday," Grayson said. "Ryan ten Doeschate looks fit and our only injury worry remains that of Graham Napier".