Fletcher backs Monty`s Ashes hopes
England coach Duncan Fletcher hailed Monty Panesar as the best finger spinner on the planet after he bamboozled Pakistan once again.
Left-armer Panesar claimed three for 39 in the second innings and six victims in all during the 167-run win at Headingley as England sealed their npower Test series success. The 24-year-old took his wicket tally to 16 for the campaign, with the final venue of The Oval likely to further encourage his ability to create turn and bounce.
"He bowled very well again," reflected Fletcher. "As a finger spinner there is probably no-one to match him in world cricket at the moment - his control is very, very good."
He added: "This has been a different pitch to the one he did well on at Old Trafford, a lot slower. Danish Kaneria was uncomfortable against our batters but Monty turned it again."
Fletcher took a conservative approach to Panesar's headline-grabbing when he claimed eight Pakistan wickets in Manchester last week, suggesting his real trials would come on surfaces which did not offer assistance.
He also warned that Ashley Giles might have an inside track back into the side if and when he proves his fitness, after reiterating his desire for England's players to be multi-functional.
"We never said we weren't going to take him to Australia," added Fletcher, of Panesar.
"There will be 18 players going to Australia and there was always a very good chance that he would be included. Now he is staking a stronger and stronger claim."
So is Lancashire's Sajid Mahmood, who finished with Test-best figures of four for 22 in Pakistan's 155 all out, a performance which showed glimpses to suggest he may become injured Welshman Simon Jones' replacement in the bowling ranks.
"We have always been pretty confident in Saj," added Fletcher. "I've seen some real potential in him, especially considering who he is replacing in Simon Jones and what we need as a priority in Australia to bowl them out two times."
