Monty Panesar has chalked up an ambitious plan of returning to the England side and reclaiming his status as one of the top spinners in the world.
That journey back includes a lot of hard work, improving his own ‘mental space’ and physical fitness and developing a new mystery ball.
The 31-year-old, who begins the new season as a member of Essex county team after being discharged from Sussex duties because of his off-the-field controversies as he struggled with his personal life and form, is in Dubai as part of the MCC XI which took part in the Emirates Airline Twenty20.
The sudden retirement of Graeme Swann has opened a door for Panesar, and he wants to ensure his 50th Test match against Australia in last year’s Ashes doesn’t turn out to be his last in England colours.
“I am obviously very keen to get back and stay in the England team,” said Panesar, who has taken 167 Test wickets at an average of 34.71.
“I want to make the most of Swann’s retirement and there’s an opportunity for a spinner there. I am really determined to go back to Essex and try have a good start, try and put in some strong performances together. And if and when the opportunity presents itself, be ready to take it.
“After the Ashes, I was in Australia for a few months playing some grade cricket and doing a bit of training with Sydney out there. I just felt I needed to stay there, try toget myself back in the right frame.”
When asked what went wrong with his career, Panesar was candid in admitting he was responsible for most of his problems.
“I think for me, probably, batsmen kind of got used to my type of bowling and I needed to do other things to my bowling, like different variations, taking more ownership of my field settings and stuff like that,” added Panesar.
“That’s the sort of area I have worked on and improved a lot more on, especially going out in Australia and playing there.”
As for his personal issues, which included a couple of late-night bust-ups and a very public split with his wife, Panesar added: “I have put that behind me. That was just, sort of, an ordinary time in my life and I have just put it behind me. I am in a really good space right now and just focusing on my cricket.
“The issues with my wife, that is long gone. That was two or three years ago. I don’t know why people keep bringing up everything.”
When asked about the things he is doing to get back into the national side, Panesar said: “For me, it’s making sure my mental space is in a good order.
“Obviously, I love my bowling. I am really passionate about that. Hopefully I have more games ahead of me than behind, and my best years are still well ahead of me.
“As a spinner, I definitely have a long way to go to reach my potential, and I definitely feel that a fresh start with Essex will definitely help.
“One of the reasons I was in Australia was to try and get my fitness levels better. Then I am able to be a bit more athletic and a bit more dynamic.
“I have got a new delivery coming now and I’ll give it a fancy name soon. You will just have to wait for it.
“For me, these are the areas I need to continuously work on. More importantly, my bread and butter is my bowling and that’s going to be my focus, to be honest. Once I get a ball in my hand, I absolutely love it; I love bowling and I love playing the game of cricket. I am determined that I am able to play in that Test series against Sri Lanka (in June).”
Monty hopeful of KP’s comeback
Kevin Pietersen may be persona non grata within the English cricket team, but Monty Panesar hopes the flamboyant batsman will make a comeback in the future.
Panesar said Pietersen was a big influence in his early years in the England squad. “He helped me with my selfbelief. I remember when I first came into international cricket, I was shy and he used to be huge on confidence, so he used to say, ‘Believe in yourself, back yourself’.
"We obviously had a very good relationship together,” he said. “You never know with these things. I hope he plays four-day cricket for Surrey and scores a lot of runs, and then these issues can be dissolved. We are still good friends and who knows, he could come back and play for England.”
