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LAHORE, April 27: The chairman of Pakistan cricket selectors, Wasim Bari, confirmed Saturday that Saeed Anwar would not be selected for the two-Test series against New Zealand but hinted the inclusion of wrist spinner Danish Kaneria.

"Saeed is not match fit. He needs more time and probably more matches to regain his form and earn match fitness," Bari said.

Saeed, who suffered a wrist fracture during October's Sharjah Cup, has played just one Test and two One-day Internationals in the last 13 months. Last week Saeed declared himself fit and keen to play against the Kiwis in Test series.

The selectors meet at Gaddafi Stadium Sunday to pick the first Test squad. Bari said he would submit the team to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the afternoon. But the former skipper hinted that Kaneria would be recalled after being ignored after the home series against the West Indies in Sharjah.

"I am not naming anyone but two spinners will be named in the side and most probably will be picked in the starting lineup. Needless to say that when you opt to play two spinners, you go for variety rather than selecting bowlers of same variety," he said.

Kaneria has 35 wickets in seven Tests but bulk of his wickets are against Test minnows Bangladesh against whom he has played three Tests.

The PCB, later in the evening, issued a press statement on Saeed Anwar that said:

"Saeed Anwar has recovered from the injury and has started training from March 22. However, PCB's medical panel has opined that he needs to train regularly for a period of three to four weeks before achieving the form and fitness required to play at international level.

"He has to play in few local or domestic matches to gain match practice. His fitness level will be assessed by the medical panel through a fitness test after the above period."

© Dawn