Danish Kaneria is the Pakistan team's marathon man.
During the recently-concluded three-Test series Down Under, he bowled 150 overs and claimed 15 wickets, at an average of 37.33, including an exhausting 7 for 188 from 49.3 overs in the Sydney Test.
At the press conference that followed his superb spell in Sydney, one of the journalists asked him what he thought about the length of his spell. Another voice from the crowd answered in absolute sarcasm that it was a short burst. Everyone, including Kaneria, broke into laughter.
But with the way the length of his spells are increasing, 49 overs may very soon constitute a short burst for him.
The Pakistan attack lacks penetration and Kaneria appears the only bowler who can effect a breakthrough. Thus, skipper Inzamam-ul Haq persists with him.
In the first Test against India at Mohali, the leg-spinner toiled through another very long spell -- 53.4-12-150-6 and, in the process, helped Pakistan dismiss India on day 4 for 516.
Also Read
India scent victory
Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne needed three tours to get his first five-wicket haul in India. Kaneria did it on his first.
So what does the Pakistani ace think of the Aussie as competition?
"I took more wickets that Warne in Australia, so why not? When I retire I want to be known as the best leg-spinner ever," said Kaneria, after the fourth day's play in the ongoing Test.
The Mohali pitch offered him assistance, but it also gave the batsmen the freedom to go for their shots. Kaneria, to his credit, was the only bowler who kept the batsmen in check.
"The pitch is playing good. It is good for batsmen as well as the fast bowlers and spinners. It is helping everyone and it is up to the players to make the best of what is available.
"We will try our best to save the match. If we bat well in the morning it just might be possible," said the 24-year old.
So what kind of preparation did he have for the India tour?
"I watched the India-Australia series on television and the way the Aussies bowled in India. It helped me get a good idea of what I was supposed to do."
Pakistan dropped quite a few chances in the field. So much so that when skipper Inzamam was asked about it on Thursday evening, in mock sarcasm, he asked, 'Did we drop catches?'
The result of the match could have been very different had Pakistan held on to their chances. Virender Sehwag was dropped off Kaneria when he was on 82.
"There were a few dropped chances, but I guess that is cricket. There are always ups and downs," Kaneria said.
Like every bowler, he likes to plan his dismissals, and when a plan does succeed, he is elated.
"I liked all my six scalps, but I guess Sourav Ganguly and V V S Laxman were the most satisfying."
