Stani Army

When Danish Kaneria was chosen as our sole spinner ahead of Saeed Ajmal for the 2nd Test against New Zealand, I must admit I had my doubts. The reasons were that Ajmal’s recent form was excellent and Kaneria hadn’t been very exciting in the past. But, that was the old Kaneria as I was about to find out. As the ball ran to the boundary in the 2nd Test, I saw a slim chap racing after it and could not believe what I was hearing when the commentator referred to him as Danish Kaneria.

He ain't heavy...Kaneria is lifted by a team mate as Imran Farhat appreciates his new figure

Having picked up three wickets in each innings of the 2nd Test, Kaneria ripped out the heart of the New Zealand middle order with four wickets in the on-going 3rd Test, after the fast bowlers were finding it difficult to break through the New Zealand line up. The benefits of a fitter Kaneria are clear to see

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Shoaib Akhtar has failed to recover from his skin infection in time for the practice matches before the T20 World Cup. With his history of injury problems, would it be really worth taking him to the World Cup even if it is the short form of the game.

With the ICL releasing some players so they could resume their international careers, the PCB would be best advised to drop Akhtar with Rana Naved slotting straight in. Let’s not forget, Rana is also more than capable with the bat.