Nel And Kaneria To Share Overseas Duties For Essex

Essex has agreed deals with Andre Nel and Danish Kaneria to play for the County in 2008. South Africa fast bowler Nel has been signed to play from April 16 until May 18, (subject to the receipt of a work permit and formal permission from Cricket South Africa) and the end of his participation for Titans in the Standard Bank Pro20 Series in his homeland. Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who had already agreed to play for the County in 2008, will then return for his fourth spell with Essex from May 21. Thirty-year-old Nel has already enjoyed two short spells with Essex in 2005 and 2007, taking 14 wickets @ 34.21. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Kaneria has taken 169 first-class wickets @ 25.56 for Essex to date. Essex Chief Executive David East told the Essex CCC website (www.essexcricket.org.uk): “Although we had already contracted Danish Kaneria for the 2008 season he asked us if he could delay his arrival in the UK so that he could be with his wife for the birth of their second child. Naturally we agreed to this request and are delighted that Andre has agreed to play for us for the important opening month of the season. Andre is well known to us and has a fantastic rapport with our players. Subject to his domestic cricket commitments he ensures that we have a world-class overseas bowler for the whole of our 2008 campaign.” Essex First-Team Coach Paul Grayson told the Essex CCC website: “Danish wanted a bit of time at home with his family, which means he misses the first month of the season, and we respect that. We’ve got a terrific replacement in Andre Nel, although we are unsure as to how long he will be available to us at the moment. This will be Andre’s third spell with us and he’s proved a very popular character in our dressing room, who is comfortable in our environment. Early-season pitches tend to be a bit more seamer-friendly, so to have an international-calibre bowler at our disposal is very important. Everyone at Essex is delighted he is coming back and we look forward to him making a positive impact while he is here.” Andre Nel told the Essex CCC website: “I am delighted to be returning to Essex for the beginning of the season. I enjoyed my time at the club in 2007 immensely and can’t wait to rejoin the boys for the first game. I look forward to giving my all in an early season burst for the Club.” © Essex CCC