Kaneria to miss Essex's last two matches

Danish Kaneria, the Pakistan and Essex legspinner, will miss the end of the county season after being asked by the Pakistan board to report to a training camp being held in Pakistan from next week. The camp will include most of the contracted players, exceptions being the ones present at the ICC World Twenty20.

Kaneria will miss the NatWest Pro40 match against Northamptonshire on September 16 and the final LV County Championship fixture with Middlesex that starts on September 19.

"We are very disappointed Danish could not complete the campaign but we understood this might happen towards the end of the season as we have to respect the wishes of the PCB," David East, Essex chief executive, told the Essex County Cricket Club (ECCC) website.

"Danish has made a massive contribution this season and we look forward to welcoming him back next year after his international commitments have been concluded."

Kaneria, who has already signed a contract with Essex for 2008, told the website: "I've had a very good season with Essex but am disappointed we couldn't get a promotion in the Championship and that I could not complete the season as we are struggling to stay up in the Pro40.

"I have given Essex 100% every time in trying to win games for the county. Unfortunately things didn't go to plan as we lost senior players [Andy Flower and Ronnie Irani] during the season. Hopefully the boys will work hard during the winter and the young guns will be fully loaded next season to try to win trophies and make sure we are in division one of both leagues.

"I have enjoyed playing under the captaincy of Ronnie Irani. He has been a big influence on my career with Essex and I respect him like an elder brother and guardian. Graham Gooch [the coach] has also been very supportive and I'd also like to thank every member of ECCC for their hospitality and hope to play for Essex for many years to come."