Mushtaq backing for Panesar
Mushtaq Ahmed says Monty Panesar is a match-winner who can bowl England to Ashes glory at the Oval.
The former Pakistan leg-spin bowler, now England's spin coach, believes the Northants slow bowler can help decide the fate of the urn in tomorrow's crunch fifth and final Test against Australia despite his torrid season.
Panesar has picked up just 14 first-class wickets at an average of more than 60 this term, returning one for 115 in his only Ashes appearance of the summer – the first Test at Cardiff where his last-ditch 10th-wicket stand with James Anderson saved England from defeat.
But Mushtaq is confident the left-armer can deliver if he's selected to partner fellow spinner Graeme Swann in the decisive match of the series, which is tantalisingly poised at 1-1.
"They both bowled well at Cardiff but the wicket was so slow," said Mushtaq. "Sometimes you bowl brilliantly but batsman play you with little difficulty because there is no pace in the wicket.
"Both of them are match-winners; they have done it many times in their careers so you have to believe in their ability and make sure that they believe in themselves. It's very important to have that self-confidence.
"This is the time when we have to stay strong with Monty. He is bowling beautifully in the nets and we are having good times.
"Every day is not a Friday; if you do not do well on a Friday it's important to remember that a Saturday will be coming along when everything can change."
Earlier this year Aussie spin legened Shane Warne criticised Panesar, saying his bowling lacked variety, but Mushtaq believes now is not the time for the 27-year-old to experiment.
"Monty has a wrist that gives him the potential to bowl a doosra but at the moment we are not trying too many different things," he said.
"A finger-spinner generally doesn't have lots of variation – they can bowl good left-arm orthodox spin and maybe an arm ball but the rest of their armoury is not like a leg-spinner's.
"Look at Daniel Vettori. He is a Test-class left-arm spinner who has an excellent arm ball, but they are the two deliveries he can bowl.
"After that he just has to experiment with his variation pace wise. You can always do that when you are in good shape and getting wickets.
"When you don't get wickets, whether you are Warney or myself, you have to remember your basics and then build up your confidence.
"That's where Monty's at and he's doing a great job. The world will be beautiful for him again soon."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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