Kaneria urges PCB to increase Test schedule

Lahore, Aug 28 (UNI) Expressing his frustration at not playing Test cricket for more than eight months, leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who underwent a minor surgery on his injured finger, today urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to increase the five day game schedule.

Kaneria has not played international cricket since he toured India in December last year. He was forced to return home from England one month before the English county championship ended because of the injury.

''Just imagine my last Test appearance was in India in December.

Sometimes it is frustrating. How can a country go without a Test match for eight months?'' he questioned.

''We need more Test matches otherwise we will not improve our position in ICC rankings.

''There is too much stress on one-day cricket these days. While it is good to have international cricket and I would love to be part of it but I still want to be playing more Test cricket,'' Kaneria said.

The leg-spinner, who has taken over 200 Test wickets, made it clear he didn't suffer his spinning finger injury because of bowling too many overs for English county side Essex.

''It has been a most frustrating injury but one of those things which one can't help. I know in the past the PCB has not been very happy with the number of overs I bowled in a season for Essex.

''But this season I have been very careful with more support from other bowlers,'' he said.

However, Kaneria is unlikely to make a comeback to the Pakistan squad anytime soon since he has been advised to rest for at least six weeks before attempting to bowl again.

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