Have England Found A Wicket Taking Spinner?

Sri Lanka followed on in the first test today, after Hoggard took his 200 test wicket to return the impressive analysis of 4 for 27 off 14. We all know that Hoggard is a great test match bowler who deserves his number 5 position in the official world rankings. So this blog entry is not about him but Monty Panesar and for me this was his day.

Panesar's had a promising tour of India, but it was uncertain whether he could keep his position in the side when England started playing on less responsive pitches. His lack of ability with the bat and as a fielder and will always count against him in the modern game. Duncan Fletcher is renowned for favouring bowlers who can bat and the selection of Panesar over Udal certainly had its critics, including Udal's Hampshire teammate and captain, Shane Warne. Panesar answered those critics today, when after trying five other bowlers (including the occasional medium pace of Collingwood) Flintoff threw him the ball. The pitch was playing well and the Sri Lankan batsmen, who are competent players of spin, were well set. Panesar responded to these challenges with 15 testing overs, which brought him 2 wickets for 26 runs and brought the game back under England's control.

Panesar's England career may still be far from certain but there can be no doubt that he is the most threatening English spin bowler since Phil Tufnell.