Monty: I want a Swann song
Monty Panesar believes he can rekindle his old Northamptonshire spin partnership with Graeme Swann to power England to Ashes victory.
The 27-year-old left-armer has not played for England since the final Test of the West Indies tour in March, with Northampton-born Swann taking the lone spinner's role in the two return Tests against West Indies in May.
But, despite enduring a difficult time with Northants this summer, Panesar is pushing to be named alongside Swann in England's side for the opening npower Ashes Test at Cardiff next week.
He has been included in the team that is currently taking on Warwickshire in a warm-up game at Edgbaston, taking three for 10 in the first innings, and with the Cardiff track expected to welcome spin, Panesar has put all rivalry aside and hopes he and Swann can join forces to give England the advantage.
"I think Graeme Swann has been bowling well," said Panesar.
"I hope both of us can come together at the top of our form and play a crucial role in winning the Ashes.
"It's great to have healthy competition and it helps you concentrate on your own development as well because I am really geared up. I hope to see my passion and celebrations."
If Panesar does get the nod, it will not be the first time that he has come up against Australia following his involvement in the ill-fated 2006/07 Ashes.
After his omission from the opening two Tests, Panesar burst into the series by taking five for 92 at Perth and, with an impressive record against the top sides, he feels a team like Australia brings the best out of him.
"I've done well against leading teams and I like to play against Australia," he added.
"The way they play their cricket is really good and it brings the passion out in my bowling and as a competitor."
Having finally found some form this summer after a trying time in county cricket – he has taken just six first-class wickets for Northants – Panesar is revelling being back amongst the England ranks and is determined to take the opportunity handed to him at Edgbaston to prime himself for next Wednesday.
"It gives me an opportunity to get back to my natural way of bowling," he said.
"I think during my time at Northants I was experimenting with my development and variation and pace, but now it gives me a chance to reconnect with my strengths. It gives me a chance to get myself ready for the Ashes."
Email to a friend
Print this page- BREAKING NEWS: Tributes paid to Niamh Curry as brave five-year-old loses battle against cancer
- BREAKING NEWS: Pensioner dies after collision at Northampton shopping centre
- Man tied to tree and beaten on Northampton Racecourse
- BREAKING NEWS: Seven-year-old boy dies following house fire in Northamptonshire
- Northampton binmen at ‘breaking point’
- Northampton binmen at ‘breaking point’
- Saints’ stadium plans get support as long as traffic issues solved
- Eastern European pupils helping school standards across Northampton
- Northampton Town: Boothroyd ‘It’s all about stability’
- Northampton benefits advice agency reports surge in people losing entitlements
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Northampton
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
