Kaneria set for Essex bow

Danish Kaneria will line up for Essex for the first time this summer © Getty Images

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Danish Kaneria will make his first appearance of the season for Essex when they meet Leicestershire at Chelmsford in LV County Championship Division Two.

The Pakistan leg-spinner, who took 74 championship wickets at an average of 22 last summer, takes his place in the side after arriving in England yesterday.

He replaces South Africa pace bowler Andre Nel, who departed for the Indian Premier League at the weekend.

Alastair Cook is absent on England duty, but Ravi Bopara returns at the expense of Varun Chopra after missing their most recent championship encounter - a two-wicket win over Middlesex two weeks ago - due to England Lions commitments.

Alex Tudor is pressing for a place in the side - he has not featured this season - alongside David Masters, while Tim Phillips continues his recovery from a knee operation.

“We fell off the horse against Kent (in the Friends Provident Trophy on Friday), but got straight back on against Middlesex on Sunday, which is the sign of a good side with good characters,” said coach Paul Grayson.

“We are in a good position in the FPT but it’s back to the red ball now. We have players who can play in both forms of the game and have had a good practice session on Tuesday ahead of the match.

“We are looking forward to the challenge that Leicestershire will offer us.”

Garnett Kruger returns to a Leicestershire side looking to continue their strong start to the season.

The South African fast bowler was rested for the rain-hit draw with Northamptonshire at Grace Road last week, but comes back in for Jermaine Lawson.

The West Indian suffered at the hands of David Sales and Rob White as Northants played out a draw, being taken for 96 from 13 overs with only the wicket of Stephen Peters to show for his efforts.

Ryan Cummins and Jigar Naik provide back-up in Leicestershire’s 13-man squad.

Leicestershire occupy second spot, level on points with leaders Warwickshire.