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| September 04, 2006 | Monday | Sha'aban 10, 1427 |
Aussies plot to undermine Panesar
SYDNEY, Sept 3: Australia's batsmen say they are planning to dominate English spin sensation Monty Panesar from the outset of this year's Ashes series.
England coach Duncan Fletcher called Panesar the best finger spinner in the world after the left-armer claimed 32 wickets in his first 10 Tests and was one of the stars of England's recent home Test series win over Pakistan.
Panesar, the first Sikh to play Test cricket for England, is generating considerable interest ahead of the November start of the Ashes and Australia's cricketers had enough respect to single him out in their pre-series talks.
The 24-year-old looms as one of England's trump cards as they prepare to defend the Ashes they seized off Australia in last year's unforgettable series in England.
“He’s a terrific young bowler, a terrific young character and has an obvious passion for the game and hell add a real flavour and touch to this series,” Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist said on Sunday.
“Like any new spinner we haven’t seen before well try to get on top of him before he gets on top of us but a lot of that will be dictated by the conditions and the match scenario.”
Simon Katich, who is trying to bat his way back into the Australian Test team after being axed after the first Test against West Indies almost a year ago, rates Panesar highly.
“I faced him last year on the Ashes tour and I was impressed,” left-hander Katich said at the Australian team camp.
“Monty is a bowler who tries to give you a bit of air. He does try and turn it.
“He is bowling genuine wicket-taking balls and knocking good players over.”
Monty may have his critics as a batsman and an out-fielder, but he is highly rated by national team coach Fletcher, who masterminded England's 2-1 Ashes series win over Australia last year.—AFP
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