Once Monty Panesar was a vital bowler of the England Cricket team. He made his debut for England in 2006 and has a decent Test record. In 50 test matches, he has taken 167 wickets. While he has played 26 ODIs and only T20I and has taken 24 and two wickets respectively. Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar was his first test victim.
England Cricket To Ranji Trophy
However, England cricketer is currently without a county side. He has played his last professional game in 2016 and hasn’t found any club yet. Panesar is currently 37-year old and willing to make a comeback, this time from Indian domestic side. Now he is eying to come to India to play in Ranji Trophy which is India’s top domestic trophy.
During a recent interview with an English newspaper, Monty told, “I am still trying to play professional cricket, but I have not found a County (team) yet. I am still working hard to find a County. I may try and play Ranji Trophy this year.” He further added, “I think there is one Ranji team — Puducherry — that allows overseas players to play.”
Early Life And Career
Monty’s parents were migrated from Punjab, India to Luton, England. Panesar and his two sisters were born in England. He has a degree in Computer Science. A fun fact; Akshaye Kumar’s Patiala House movie is loosely based on Monty Panesar’s life.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma Hints That KL Rahul Doesn’t Deserve Place In Test Team
Originally, Panesar wanted to be a pace bowler but his Northamptonshire coach advised him to shifted to spin when he was 16. In 2001 at the age of 19 Monty Panesar made his debut for Northamptonshire in the first-class cricket. He has played his last test for England cricket team in 2013 vs Australia before being replaced by Graeme Swann.