Pak counting on spinners, likely to play both Kaneria, Ajmal in first Test

Karachi, Dec. 22 (ANI): With reports suggesting that the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) would offer some help for the spinners, Pakistan are mulling over the option of playing two spinners in the first Test against Australia starting December 26.

The final decision regarding the team's build-up would be taken in next couple of days, but team officials have not ruled out including both leg-spinner Danish Kaneria and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal in the final eleven for the Boxing Day Test.

"Playing (in the first Test) with two spinners is certainly an option for us," The News quoted Pakistan team manager Abdul Raqeeb, as saying.

"Both Danish and Saeed have been bowling well.And the fact that Australia faced a few problems against West Indian spinners recently has made us think about having two spinners in the playing eleven," he added.

Kaneria, who is Pakistan's most successful spinner with 245 wickets from 56 Tests, is almost certain to play in Melbourne after taking 13 wickets in Two Tests during the just concluded three match Test series against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, MCG pitch curator Cameron Hodgkins has said that he is hopeful about striking the right balance between bat and ball for the first Test.

Hodgkins predicted that the pitch would not be too batsman-friendly, which has been the nature in matches at the MCG so far this season.

"So far there's been good pace and carry and the good bowlers are getting wickets. In the last game there was plenty of grass, but the only ingredient missing was there wasn't much nibble," Hodgkins said. (ANI)