Reader profiles: Monty Panesar

By Peter Bardgett

FACTFILE Born: 25/4/82 Slow left-arm orthodox; left-hand bat Test debut: Yet to play ODI debut: Yet to play

A left-arm spinner of immense talent, he represented England under-19s for two seasons after a debut in 2000.

He made a sensational start to his county career with match figures of 8-131 against Leicestershire in 2001 but struggled to keep his place.

Impressed the national selectors enough to earn a place in the National Academy squad in 2002, where he toured Sri Lanka with some degree of success.

Signed a recent deal with Northants tying him to the club until 2007.

FORM GUIDE

In the 2005 season, he took 7-181 against Essex at Chelmsford, but the southerners still won the match by 10 wickets.

He managed to play eight first-class matches overall, and topped the bowling averages for his county, with 46 wickets at 21.