Injury scare puts Kaneria in doubt for Boxing Day Test

Melbourne, Dec. 25 (ANI): Pakistan suffered a big blow ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia, as leg-spinner Danish Kaneria sustained a finger injury on his right hand during a practice session here.

The injury has put Kaneria's availability for the first Test starting December 26 (Saturday) in doubt.

"He (Danish) underwent medical tests and a report is expected tomorrow, on which we will decide whether he will able to play or not," The Dawn quoted team manager Abdul Raqeeb, as saying.

Kaneria, who just went past legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir by bagging his 245th Test wicket in 55 matches, in seen as a major weapon against the Aussie batting line up.

He proved his worth during the just concluded New Zealand Test series by bagging 13 wickets in two matches, that has also highlighted the need of wrist spinners in the team, especially when the Aussies don't have one.

Kaneria has an impressive record in Australia, having taken a five-wicket haul in Melbourne and seven wickets in Sydney the last time Pakistan toured in 2004-05. (ANI)