Associated Press

Bridgetown, May 25:

Pakistan batsman Bazid Khan could become the second third-generation player in the history of Test cricket if he plays West Indies in the first Test starting on Thursday at Kensington Oval.

Khan would join Dean Headly, an opening bowler for England in the 1990s in the exclusive club. Khan’s grandfather, Jahangir Khan, played four matches for India in the 1930s, and his father Majid was a Pakistan star in the 1970s. “I’m very excited about the prospect,” Bazid said. “I feel quite proud and it would be an honour to follow in the footsteps of them both.”

The middle-order batsman, who has played three one-day internationals, was expected

to take the place of captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was banned for one Test by the ICC

for excessive appealing on the recent tour of India.

“Coming from a cricketing family, there has always been the idea that I would one day make it big in the game, so now I’m on the verge of getting my big chance,” Khan said. “I’m not focusing on the family connection, but rather do a great job if I get a chance on Thursday.”

He and Pakistan are focused on achieving their first Test series victory in the Caribbean after sweeping the three-match one-day series against the West Indies. Pakistan’s best result in the region was a 1-1 tie in 1988 with Imran Khan at the helm.

“We will be taking care of our side, and having won the one-day series so well, we believe we have the advantage. You never underestimate your opponents,” manager Salim Altaf said after a net session at the Police ground.

Altaf believes his bowling staff holds the key to victory, and he highlighted legspinner Danish Kaneria as the trump card.

Kaneria, rested from the West Indies ODIs, took 19 wickets in the three recent Tests against India. “Kaneria is, after Shane Warne, the best legspinner in the world. With each match he’s getting better. He’s our main wicket-taker,” said Altaf, who toured with the 1977 team to the West Indies.

“We have Shabbir Ahmed, who is getting back in the groove, and Rana Naved who is getting better and better by the match. There is also Abdul Razzaq, so we have a good combination,” he said.