Special features
Panesar to play in Sri Lanka
Spinner heading to sub-continent to prepare for two-match Test series
Last updated: 14th October 2008
Panesar: Set for Sri Lanka
They are very good players of spin in Sri Lanka and he will learn a lot. It will also help him get ready for the Test matches because it's such a short series
Peter Moores
Quotes of the week
Watch all seven of the ODI's as well as the two-Test series LIVE on Sky Sports this winter - for a full tv schedule click HERE
Related links
Teams
Players
Also see
Monty Panesar looks set for a spell in club cricket in Sri Lanka ahead of England's Test series against India.
The left-arm spinner is not part of the one-day squad that will play in the Stanford Super Series and the seven ODIs in India.
To make sure he is ready for action when the two Tests come around before Christmas, the Northamptonshire bowler will travel to the sub-continent a month ahead of his team-mates.
England coach Peter Moores confirmed that Panesar will head to Sri Lanka to get some games under his belt, although details are yet to be finalised.
Experience
"Monty is going to play in Sri Lanka this winter, a month prior to going to India," he said.
"Details have to be finalised to make sure they're happy to have him and he gets the right position. Hopefully we'll get it all tied down.
"He wants to learn through experience there. He's been there before and knows the conditions are tough.
"They are very good players of spin in Sri Lanka and he will learn a lot. It will also help him get ready for the Test matches because it's such a short series."
England's itinerary sees them play just one warm-up game before the first Test in Ahmedabad, which gets under way on December 11. They then move on to Mumbai for the second match of the series.
Panesar made his international debut on England's last tour of India two years ago. The 26-year-old has picked up 114 wickets in 33 Test appearances.
-
Wimbledon: Day Eleven
Pictures from the men's semi-finals on day 11 at Wimbledon.
-
Michael Owen joins Man Utd
A look at the best pictures as Michael Owen completes his surprise to Manchester United.
-
Warks v England: Day 3
All the best images from day three of play between the England XI and Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
-
3rd ODI: Windies v India
All the best pictures from the third one-dayer between the West Indies and India at Gros Islet.
Wimbledon: Day Eleven
Pictures from the men's semi-finals on day 11 at Wimbledon.
Features
Taking the Michael
Skysports.com assesses Michael Owen's possible free transfer to Manchester United.
Sky Sports Scout
Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent, next up is Dani Pacheco.
Ronaldo Factfile
Skysports.com takes a look at the key moments in Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliant career to date.
Around Sky Sports today
Twitter
Follow Sky Sports on Twitter for exclusive competitions
Play Fantasy Ashes
Select your Fantasy Ashes squad now for the chance to win great prizes!
Dodgeball Challenge Final
See how the UK winners fared against the US champions! New video
Comments (4)
Padhman Jayatilleke says...
It is a very good and brave decision made by England coach to help Monty to gain genuine experience from the world best spinners produceing cricket loving island. There are plenty of world class spinners in this beautiful island they are all born with genuine talent.see Murali now Ajantha, that is just two there are so many others with born talent. you can pick only one or two spinners to a team that's why others don't get the opportunity. Don't worry about the climate. If srilankan players can play in england and australia under there cold climate why can't You. In sri lanka you can have different climate conditions within few hours. they have different climate patterns in different parts of the island. don't think about the climate focus on gaining the enough experience and tricks of spinning from friendly cricketers in srilanka. this is good for you, not only for the indian tour, this is good for you to show your talent at the upcomming srilankan tour and ashes clash. Good luck Monty Cricket loving Srilankan living in Australia
Posted 00:13 16th October 2008
Jagath Ambarooya says...
Monty will have serious problems in SriLanka. As his fitness is not up to standard the heat will definitely be a massive factor. Monty wont be special in Sri Lanka there are so many spinners of a higher standard, but good luck to him.
Posted 17:41 15th October 2008
Niroj Weerasooriya says...
Good on you Monty, he will gain valuble knowledge off spin bowling in Sri Lanka than staying at home, he will benifit from sub continent conditons and how to use them to his favour....
Posted 14:00 15th October 2008
Liam Abeysekera says...
I must say this is a great idea and it can only be a benift in the long run. The only down side is his fitness as it will be tough in the Sri Lankan climate. He is goning to get some workout chasing those balls in the deep lol. But it is a positive move and a great show of attitude. Too many others would of sat around in England moaning they did'nt make the Stanford game. Good on ya Monty!
Posted 10:52 15th October 2008