The proverbial “blue eyed” find of England cricket is not finding it easy after the first Test in India and if the British press is anything to go by, his honeymoon days may be well over.
Monty Panesar was considered England’s golden catch of the decade. After all, England have had their fits and starts with the likes of Phil Tufnell, Shaun Udal, Ashley Giles and names of spinners that would not easily fit into memories. But here was a genuine talent that was in grown in that his Indian roots were expected to bless with a gene that would best help England counter India in India.
When Panesar was left out of the team in Australia a couple of years ago, the point was lost on the captain. When he was blooded in, he produced the spell of a lifetime.
Yet Panesar now seems relegated quickly after one Test in India. What has gone wrong this time?
Panesar was never known for his fielding. And it is unlikely he will ever be. But what he has brought to the England dressing room is a relief in variety, in sticking to a genuine spinner instead of makeshift or even worse, an average one.
But England’s failure to put it past India in the first Test even after making a history seeking chase for India has only worsened the case of finding a scapegoat. But a few flaws have been noticed and for Monty’s sake, one hopes he can pick up the pieces instead of being shattered by the response.
Coach Peter Moores believes it boils down to practice, which is something Monty has not had too much of given that he was not really considered one day material and the little time he has had on the field in the first Test has been spent sticking to one line and length and pace. Moores believes Monty needs more time and practice to hone on his variations.
That he has come dry against India would be some concern, especially when Graeme Swann has looked sharper of the two. Interesting to see what England’s tactics will be and if they will go for pace ahead of spin and pick only one of the two spinners in Mohali. Will they back Monty on experience or Swann on spunk?
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