Mudhsuden Singh Panesar, known in the game as Monty, quickly became a fans favourite following a string of match winning performances for his country.
His first wicket, that of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in India and England's Drawn series in 2006, put the finger-spinner on the cricketing map.
I put forward my question: is this man the world-class spinner some say he is, or is he just another left arm off break?
Well, the stats at the moment seem to think that he just might be world-class. Having already taken 8 five-wicket-hauls and a best of 6-37, he also took 5 wickets in his debut Test against Australia on a flat pitch in the first innings.
I think I'm going with world-class.
But as always there are two sides to every story. By that, I mean that Monty Panesar isn't all great news. His fielding and batting skills have come into question and some say (Duncan Fletcher being one) that his fielding alone could keep him out of the Test side.
Famously getting down on one knee to sweep Murali for six, Panesar has a top score of 26, which is good for a number 10 or 11. Nonetheless, his batting and fielding still needs to improve if he is to nail his place in the test team down. This is especially true with the likes of Adil Rashid lurking, who can bat and field might I add.
I have been reading lots about Monty lately, particularly that he is working on his version of the doosra which would certainly make him untouchable.
But this seems to have been the case for 2 years now, and I dont see what harm it would do if he was try it in one over. I mean, the worst that could happen is that he sees it go for six, which happens to all spinners anyway.
My final say, is that Monty is close to being that world-class spinner, and for me he is a Superhero.
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