LAHORE, Nov 21: Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam believes Danish Kaneria is still a good bowler and would prove to be a “true match winner in the upcoming home series against India.”

Kaneria, 27, has been out of first-class cricket since he sustained a finger injury while representing Essex in August.

“Kaneria is still a very good leg-spinner. We should give him confidence and help him regain self-belief and once he does that I’m sure he will do wonders for us,” Intikhab said.

Since making his Test debut against England at Faisalabad in November 2000, Kaneria has so far claimed 220 wickets in 51 Tests at an average of 33.90. And after playing his very first ODI against Zimbabwe at Sharjah way back in October 2001, the spin bowler so far has represented Pakistan only 18 times in limited-overs cricket, taking 15 wickets at an expensive 45.53.

“You cannot just label a player by saying that he is only good enough for Tests or one-dayers. As far as Kaneria is concerned I’m sure we can get best out of him in any form of cricket. He can once again be a true match-winner,” Intikhab said.

Intikhab said he expects his best team to play against India.

“I want my team to be the best possible and best prepared for the series against India. We need our fast bowlers, spinners to be fully ready while the batsmen also need to be prepared,” he stressed.—Agencies