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Coach Duncan Fletcher says Monty Panesar is the world’s best finger spinner after his display in England’s win over Pakistan in the third Test on Tuesday.

Panesar took 3-39, including a stunning delivery to bowl out Younis Khan, to end with six wickets in the match after his 8-93 in the win at Old Trafford.

“As a finger spinner there is probably no-one to match him in world cricket at the moment — his control is very good.

“This was a different pitch to Old Trafford, a lot slower,” Fletcher said. Fletcher was measured in his praise of Northamptonshire left-armer Panesar, 24, after the win in Manchester last week.

But after seeing him outfox the likes of Younis and Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq in Leeds, has all but confirmed his place in the squad to tour Australia this winter.

“There was always a very good chance that he would be included. Now he is staking a stronger and stronger claim,” the coach added.

Panesar has 31 Test victims to his name from nine matches and been a key factor in England securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-Test series against Pakistan.

That has also impressed Derek Underwood, England’s most successful spin bowler ever with 297 wickets from 86 Tests.

“He’s bowled really well and it’s been fantastic to watch,” Underwood told BBC Sport. “All you can ask of a spinner is if the ball turns he bowls sides out and Monty has proven to everybody he can do it.

Source:The News