Kaneria blow for Essex

Danish Kaneria will miss the first three weeks of Essex's County Championship season after the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the leg-spinner will take part in the domestic Pentangular Cup from April 17-27.

Kaneria will represent the Sindh Dolphins at the tournament, which will give players the chance to impress selectors before Pakistan's summer tour of England.

The 29-year-old will therefore not arrive in the UK until April 29.

"We were originally hoping to have Danish available for our first game on Friday and the delay in his arrival is obviously disappointing," said Essex chief executive David East.

"We understand that this competition will help inform the decisions of the PCB prior to their tour of England and that it is viewed as an important opportunity for all Test and one-day international cricketers in Pakistan to impress the selectors.

"Danish is of course an important member of our side, but we must respect the primacy of the PCB and Danish's wish to be part of this event."