Monty Panesar
MONTY PANESAR twirled his way back into England reckoning with a five-star display in Dubai.
Two and a half years after his last Test match, Panesar did everything he could to try to persuade his skipper to include him for a 40th cap next week with 5-57 against a PCB XI.
Even though the hops, skips and jumps that once accompanied a Panesar wicket were missing, the grin on the left-arm spinner’s face was as wide as always.
There is nothing he would rather be doing than bowling long spells for England and taking wickets, something he has been deprived off since Graeme Swann took over as the country’s No.1 spinner.
“I’ve missed playing for England,” admitted Panesar.
“It has been nice to reconnect with the boys and I’m still keen to play Test cricket and other forms of the game. It was nice to chip in with a few wickets. I enjoyed bowling a lot of overs and it gave me a chance to familiarise myself with the conditions.
“I just want to be able to take my chance when it comes and be a part of this successful England team.”
Whether Panesar gets his wish or not is another matter since it would mean a departure from the tried and trusted method of three seamers and one spinner.
But that is what England may have to do if they are to adapt and beat Pakistan in subcontinental conditions where spin is king.
Panesar and Swann have played together four times before in a Test match for England but they are yet to conjure a win following a defeat and three draws.
Most famously, England drew with Australia in Cardiff in 2009 on their way to regaining the Ashes... thanks to Panesar’s bat! He held out for nearly 12 overs with fellow tailender Jimmy Anderson on that memorable, tension-filled occasion.
“I’ve still got a decent forward defensive,” said the 29-year-old, who has spent time playing domestically in South Africa and Australia over the past three winters.
“If the option is there for them to play two spinners they know I’m ready.
“We’ve got very skilful seam bowlers as well and over the last 12 months they’ve shown they can get reverse swing and bowl in these conditions.
“There is a healthy balance to our squad and we’ve got several permutations that can be successful out here.”
His five wickets out-shone Swann, but both spinners gave Andrew Strauss the control he was looking for after an early burst from Chris Tremlett, who looked dangerous.
England sliced through the PCB XI to reduce them to 119-8, but once again couldn’t quite finish off the tail as the last two wickets added 81 before the declaration 69 runs behind.
Strauss and Jonathan Trott opened as usual No.1 Alastair Cook put his feet up, and extended the lead to 151.
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