Kaneria not to be replaced

Essex chief executive David East has confirmed the county will not recruit an overseas replacement for Danish Kaneria for the remainder of the season.

The leg-spinner sustained a broken finger during last week's LV County Championship Division Two match against Worcestershire at Colchester.

Kaneria returned to his native Pakistan for an operation and East admitted the county had discussed whether to sign a player on a short-term deal but have ruled against it.

He said: “With the sad loss of Danish Kaneria for the rest of the season it became necessary to consider our options for the rest of the campaign in terms of whether to sign another overseas player.

“After much discussion it was agreed by the cricket committee not to replace Danish - a decision which gives us a great opportunity to utilise the strength of our squad over the remaining weeks.

“Our progress through to the Second XI Trophy final suggests there are a number of players on the fringes on the team waiting to get their chance.

“In addition to this, the postponement of the ICC Champions Trophy means we could also have Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara available for the latter stages of the season.”