'Thrilled' Kaneria puts World Cup celebrations on hold by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 14th February 2007

 

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria Wednesday said he was "thrilled" with his surprise World Cup call-up but would only celebrate if Pakistan win the trophy.

 

Kaneria was named in Pakistan's 15-man squad Tuesday despite taking only 12 wickets in 16 one-day internationals since his debut in 2001.

 

"I am thrilled at being selected in the team," he said. "But I will only celebrate this on April 28 if I am able to help Pakistan win the trophy."

 

The ninth World Cup starts on March 13 and ends with the final on April 28 in the Caribbean.

 

Kaneria, 26, is better known for Test cricket where he has 198 wickets from 46 appearances.

 

"I was disappointed when I was not selected in the one-day squad for the series against South Africa but I never gave up hope of playing in the World Cup. My selection is a reward for my hard work," he said.

 

Pakistan also picked unfit fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar (knee), Umar Gul (ankle) and Mohammad Asif (elbow) in their squad and have until March 2 to replace any injured players.

 

The playing chances of Akhtar and Asif, who recently had drugs bans rescinded, also depend on blanket doping tests likely to be carried out on February 16.

 

Both Akhtar and Asif tested positive for banned steroid nandrolone last year. Akhtar was banned for two years and Asif for one year, but the bans were controversially lifted on appeal.

 

Kaneria can boost Pakistan's attack if they lose Akhtar and Asif, who may still have banned substances in their systems according to experts.

 

"I hope we play at our full strength but in any case I am ready to play my part. I know Tests and one-day cricket are different but I have the experience of playing a lot of one-day cricket at domestic level and for Essex in the English season," Kaneria said.

 

He said he performed well in the West Indies two years ago and would like to repeat his performance in the World Cup.

 

"Since the wickets in West Indies are just like we have in the sub-continent I hope I will be successful. My job is to do the hard work and rewards come with the hard work."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)