England criticised for sidelining Panesar

England's refusal to pick both their specialist spinners for the opening Test against India in Ahmedabad has already drawn criticism from leading pundits from both countries.

Sir Ian Botham, Rahul Dravid and David Lloyd led a stream of unfavourable comments about England's decision to leave Monty Panesar, their left-arm spinner, out of Alastair Cook's team. Graeme Swann, who took the only three India wickets to fall before tea, was partnered instead by Samit Patel, the Nottinghamshire batsman who bowls serviceable but certainly not Test-class left-arm spin.

Swann bowled Gautam Gambhir and century-maker Virender Sehwag, the Indian openers, to become England's most successful Test off spinner with 194 wickets - one more than Jim Laker's previous 193-wicket mark. Just before tea Swann also dismissed Sachin Tendulkar, and many commentators felt conditions were crying out for Swann to be paired with Panesar as a twin frontline spin attack.

"It looks a Monty pitch to me," said former England coach Lloyd, one of Sky Sports' team of commentators, while former Indian batting great Dravid felt that Panesar should have been preferred to Patel on a bone dry surface that is widely expected to crumble by the end of day three and to take increasing turn throughout.

Go to Test Match Sofa to listen to what our sister site's commentary team think about the absence of Panesar, and also let them know your thoughts.


Date: 15/11/2012 08:55:56 by MBaldwin
In: Today | England |