Kaneria picks Dravid as the key wicket

Danish Kaneria was confident that he can put cracks in the strong Indian batting line-up in next month's three-Test cricket series.

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria was confident on Monday that he can put cracks in the strong Indian batting line-up in next month's three-Test cricket series.

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"I learnt a lot from the tour of Australia and I am confident that it would help me succeed on Indian tour," said Kaneria, 25. Kaneria has taken 102 wickets in 23 Test matches, but has never played against India in that country.

"I haven't played in India and I am not sure what type of wickets we do get in the Test matches," said the lanky Kaneria, also known as "Nani-Danny." Pakistan is scheduled to leave for India on February 28, and the Test matches will be played in Mohali, Kolkata and Bangalore - the hometown of Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble.

Pakistan suffered a setback before the series after key striker paceman Shoaib Akhtar was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, and now Kaneria is tipped to take the load of bowling long spells in Test matches against the side's archrival.

"It was a big blow for us after Shoaib (Akhtar) was ruled out," Kaneria said.

"I bowled long spells in Australia and hope to continue in India too on wickets which I think would give assistance to slow bowlers," he added.

The likes of Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and if-fit Sachin Tendulkar are likely to give Pakistan's bowlers a strong challenge. However, Kaneria said Dravid will be the key for India.

"He is a real wall in the Indian batting line-up and never throws away his wicket. If we succeed in getting his out early, I am sure we will give a tough fight to India," Kaneria said. Although Pakistan was routed 3-0 in the test series against Australia, Kaneria said the test matches had taught Pakistan's players enough lessons.

"How many teams have succeeded in Australia? I guess not many because the conditions are very tough, especially for the subcontinent team," Kaneria said.

"But it's a very good learning experience to play against world champions, and have given our players a lot of confidence for the Indian tour," he said.

Kaneria was surprisingly sent home after the test series against Australia, and despite Pakistan qualifying for the final of the triangular series, it was beaten 2-0 in the best of three finals by Australia.

But Kaneria hoped that after the test matches in India, he would be considered for the six limited overs internationals against India which starts in April.

"My job is to do well with the ball and perform the rest depends on the selectors," he said.