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Kaneria has an 'edge' over Indians
Indians may be the best players of spin 'but I have the edge', says Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria
Pakistan's leg-spinner Danish Kaneria reckons that he holds the edge against the Indian batsmen, widely considered the best players of spin, in the home series that begins next week.
"It is a very important series for me as a bowler and for our team. I think I will start with an edge over their (India's) batsmen given my performance against them in India last year," Kaneria told The News on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old was the pick of the Pakistan bowling attack and picked up 19 wickets during the tour of India last summer, including two five-wicket hauls.
Danish also played a major role in his team's recent 2-0 win over England.
Queried on whether he had any specially laid out plans for the touring Indian batsmen, Kaneria said he would stick to the basics.
"I am planning nothing special against them. But I'm working hard on the basics, sticking to a proper line and length; this is so important for a leg-spinner," Kaneria said.
"They (Indian batsmen) all play spinners well but I'm confident I can continue my success against them."
Kaneria, only the second Hindu to play for Pakistan who has taken 143 wickets in 31 Tests but just 12 in 15 one-day internationals, said he had set two targets for himself in 2006.
"One is to try to end the year as the highest wicket-taker in world cricket in the calendar year and the second is to establish myself in the one-day team."
"Getting a spot in the one-day squad against India is a very special target for me. That will pave the way for me to play in the 2007 World Cup which is something I want to do very much."
