Monty Panesar says he is ready to make what would be a long-awaited 40th Test appearance for England against Pakistan.
Spinner "hungry to play Test cricket"
Monty Panesar says he is ready, willing and able to make what would be a long-awaited 40th Test appearance for England against Pakistan.
Panesar, who took figures of 5-57 against a Pakistan Cricket Board XI in England's final warm-up match before the first of three Tests starting next week, has been surplus to requirements at the highest level since mid-summer 2009.
It was then that he marked his 39th appearance, not with an outstanding bowling performance, but defiance as a tailender to salvage a draw in Cardiff at the start of England's victorious Ashes campaign.
Since then, England have most often relied on Panesar's former Northamptonshire team-mate Graeme Swann as the sole spinner in a four-man attack.
But England may sense that formula needs revision to help them conquer a new frontier, against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Panesar's performance on Thursday - taking four more wickets than Swann in the PCB XI's 200-9 declared - served notice of his intent.
Opportunity
Afterwards he said: "I've given myself an opportunity to get used to the conditions, and given myself a good chance to be ready.
"So if they want to play two spinners, I'm ready to play."
Panesar cites his move from Northants to Sussex two years ago, and his experience as an overseas player in South Africa and Australia, as vital if he is to re-establish himself at Test level.
"I'm hungry to play Test cricket - and if or when the opportunity presents itself I've got to be ready," he said.
"I want to be part of this successful England team.
"I've been bowling well at Sussex and also had the responsibility of being an overseas player at Randwick Petersham in Sydney and also Highveld Lions.
"That extra responsibility develops you as a person and also helps your game as well."
Panesar helped England to a 69-run first-innings lead on the second day of three at the GCA ground, before Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott added another 82 without loss at stumps.
The slow left-armer added: "My belief is a lot stronger now. I think going overseas, to Sydney, helps with your self-belief.
"My confidence has grown, and that definitely helps your bowling.
"I've always stayed hungry to play Test cricket and always worked hard. That's why I moved to Sussex, to better my game and take on a major responsibility - leading the bowling attack."
Important
The 29-year-old, who was part of England's winning squad in last winter's Ashes but played only in the tour match against Australia A in Hobart, sees his absence from Test cricket as an important learning curve.
"It's been a good period for me, in that I had to come out of my comfort zone," he said.
"Sometimes you've got to take a couple of steps back to go forward.
"I just said to myself: 'I've got to get in there, work hard and get my hands dirty'."
As for his re-acquaintance with Swann as a spin partner, that is a prospect he relishes.
"It's really exciting to have two spinners bowling in tandem, something Swanny and I did at Northants - and we're very comfortable bowling with each other and helping each other out," he added.
