London: Talented Pakistan and Essex leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has signed a two-year extension to his contract with the county. The 23-year-old has played 18 Tests for Pakistan and taken 72 wickets, plus 10 one-day internationals in which he has taken nine wickets.

Kaneria, who has had a pretty fruitful outing in the county circuit this season having captured 63 wickets from 11 County Championship matches in his debut county season, said he was happy with the way Essex authorities were taking care of him

"It's like a family at Essex with everyone treating me and my wife very well," Kaneria said.

Essex Chief Executive David East was fulsome in his praise for his overseas star. "It has been a joy and pleasure to have Danish play for us this season. He's a huge talent, but is also a nice soul," he said.

East said the Pakistan leggie has it off well with his teammates as well. "He has been hugely popular in the dressing room. Add to that, he has this uncanny ability to take wickets in varying English conditions throughout the season which I think is a great asset for us," East added.