PAKISTAN leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has made a welcome return to the Essex squad for their LV County Championship clash with Gloucestershire, which started at Garon Park on Wednesday. Kaneria has been away with his country on their tour of Sri Lanka, in w

PAKISTAN leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has made a welcome return to the Essex squad for their LV County Championship clash with Gloucestershire, which started at Garon Park on Wednesday.

Kaneria has been away with his country on their tour of Sri Lanka, in which the hosts took the Test series.

But he is now back in an Essex side, who have have found some batting form in their recent four-day matches.

They have managed three scores of over 400 in their last three matches, all of which ended in draws, although South African Test batsman Hashim Amla, was the main catalyst for this.

His short spell at Chelmsford has now ended, but first team coach Paul Grayson insists his side can push for victory against Gloucestershire.

"We are looking forward to playing Gloucestershire at Southend," he said.

"It is a vital game for Essex and the result is important, especially as we push for promotion this season.

"The team have had a good couple of weeks and if it hadn't been for the rain, we could have won the game against Leicestershire.

"Gloucestershire had a good start to the season and are a dangerous side to face. They have a strong bowling outfit, but like us, have struggled slightly with their batting.

"It is a crucial game and a win will see us determined to keep pushing right to the end of the season."

Full squad: Gallian, Maunders, Westley, Walker, Pettini, Foster, ten Doeschate, Napier, Masters, Kaneria, Wright, Palladino.