September 25 Wednesday 2002
Kaneria vows to stand tall before Shane Warne

KARACHI: Pakistan's rookie leg-spinner Danish Kaneria on Tuesday said he will not be intimidated at the prospect of appearing against Australia's legendary spinner Shane Warne in next month's Test series.

"I know Warne is a world class leg-spinner but I will do my best to stand tall before him," Kaneria told. Kaneria, accompanied by five other youngsters and new coach Richard Pybus, flew out to join Pakistan in Sri Lanka where they face Australia in the first of three Tests in Colombo from October 3. "I look forward to this battle and hope it establishes me as a good spinner. There will be a lot to learn from the master spinner," he said.

The 21-year-old Hindu from Karachi has 33 wickets in eight Tests compared to Warne's 450 wickets in 101 Tests. Tipped to be Pakistan's "secret weapon", Kaneria still has a lot of ground to cover. "I know I have just started my career and have a long way to go but playing against Australia will be my toughest test," said Kaneria, who idolises former Pakistan leggy Abdul Qadir.

Among his 33 wickets, 26 have come against minnows Bangladesh in three Tests. "We are a young side but we would endeavour our best," Daneria said. Crisis-hit Pakistan was forced to announce a young squad following senior players absences for a variety of reasons.

Dependable batsmen Inzamam-ul Haq and Yousuf Youhana were ruled out due to injury, while experienced pacer Waseem Akram and opener Saeed Anwar opted to rest. Pakistan is left to field inexperienced openers in Imran Nazir, Taufiq Umer and Imran Farhat who between them have played just 15 Tests.

In captain Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Zahid (subject to fitness), Pakistan has a potent pace attack with Kaneria and Saqlain Mushtaq handling the spin department. "Facing Australia with a young team is a tough task but we will play some positive cricket," coach Pybus said. Pakistan play a side game against West Indies from September 27 in Colombo before the first Test on October 3. The remaining two Tests of the series will be played in Sharjah.