The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Kaneria mulling playing for England

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Kaneria mulling playing for England

London: Tired of being overlooked by the selectors, Pakistani leg-spinner Danish Kaneria is toying with the idea of playing for England.

The 27-year-old leg-spinner said he has enough cricket in him and he would not hesitate to switch sides if Pakistan continues to ignore him.

“I may consider playing for England at one stage if Pakistan are not picking me,” Kaneria told Colchester Gazette.

“I am 27 and a proper leg-spinner gets his real class when he is 32 — Shane Warne got to his 30s and was bowling out every team, so I have plenty of years to go,” said the spinner who plays for Essex in county cricket.

Unsure of what future has in store for him, Kaneria said, “I don’t know what will happen and will see how Pakistan cope with me. If England wanted me to play and do something for them I would think it over.”

Kaneria did not find a place in Pakistan’s list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy but the leg-spinner still yearns for a recall in the ODI squad.

“I didn’t hear anything from Pakistan. I’m doing well and taking wickets and would like to play one-day cricket for Pakistan again,” he said.

“I have not given up and want to get my place back in the team. I play well in each form of the game but when Pakistan don’t pick me it is up to the media to ask the selectors why,” said Kaneria.

An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson told the newspaper that Kaneria would be eligible if he gains a British citizenship and refrains from playing in or for Pakistan. — PTI

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