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England’s Kevin Pietersen says Monty Panesar has the potential to become one of Test cricket’s best spinners. The Northants left-armer took 8-93 in the second-Test win over Pakistan to continue a fine start to his career.

“I think Monty can be a fantastic bowler. I fancy my chances against most spinners and I honestly think that he is up there,” Pietersen told Five Live.

Pietersen is acknowledged as a top batsman against spin after his Ashes duel with Shane Warne last year. He and Panesar will be in the dressing-room together again this week as England begin the third Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Friday.

Pietersen’s views were endorsed by former Australia wicket-keeper and England selector Rodney Marsh, who backed Panesar to make a big impact in this winter’s Ashes. “Technically he’s a very fine bowler,” Marsh said.

“He’s got as good an action as I reckon I’ve ever seen on a finger spinner. There’s not much that can go wrong with him — they’ve got to bring him here.”

Panesar, the first Sikh to play for England, has become a cult figure for England fans because of his distinct appearance and erratic fielding, although that is improving by the game.

Monty has played against three Asian sides who have all treated him with the utmost respect.

Marsh, who is now back home working for the South Australia Cricket Association as its high-performance director, says Aussies are likely to take to him too.

“The crowds will love him here — one way or the other,” he said of the 24-year-old, who has taken 25 wickets in eight Tests since making his debut in Nagpur against India in March.

“I’m sure the Australian batsmen will go after him, but they’ll do that against any spinner.”
Source:The News