Cricket Update: Monty Down but Not Out
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Monty-Panesar-c2024 not long ago saved England in Ashes, not with his bowling but with his batting. Monty along with James Anderson survived 69 important balls to draw the first test. Monty looked promising but was quietly framed out of the national side. He happens to be the first Sikh to play for the English side. His enthusiastic celebrations after taking wickets won him many fans worldwide. However his shinning fame didn’t last much and failed to impress selectors.
It was less than a year when Monty had saved a historic Ashes test, he found himself in Sussex League, playing for Bexhill. Embittered by his form and lack of wickets, Monty found it hard to regain his past glory. Sussex had placed him with struggling Bexhill for domestic cricket. He was on his way to become yet another forgotten legend of English cricket.
Going back to his root cricket did wonders to him. It turned out to be a healing experience for Monty. He got his magic back and ripped apart batting line of opponents. He bowled stunningly while picking up 17 wickets in only three appearances for Bexhill. He was initially seen not celebrating after taking wickets but after just one match, Monty restored his manic celebration with missing most of his team mates high fives. Monty received a phone call last week which added cheery to his new found form. The phone call had a familiar voice asking if he could meet up in London. The phone call was from master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.
In 2006 Monty had his first test wicket, an lbw wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. Monty made his famous celebration after taking this price wicket. He later went to Sachin Tendulkar to get the match ball signed by him. The Little Legend signed the ball and wrote “Once in a blue moon. Never again”! Since then both players became good friends and are in touch with each other to date. This meeting and admiration by a cricketing legend boosted the morale of Monty Panesar. Sachin on his way to Wimbledon offered some experienced advices while passing on some technical tricks. Tendulkar assured him that he is still one of the best bowler and just needs to believe in his own ability. The legend reassured Monty "You're still one of the best in the world - all you've got to do is to go out and prove it".
Monty lifted his game and made a comeback for Sussex, he was quick to adjust and bagged a decent performance of 3-21 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Northamptonshire-c824. He promised to be a fighter and never give up: "Sikhs are warriors and I'm a fighter. I never give up.”
Panesar is eyeing a place back in national squad. He wants to earn his English spot back and will ideally like to make a comeback against Australia when England will tour to Aussie land for Ashes. Monty believes his performance in Sussex will allow him to achieve this feat. "I want to win back my England place, I want to go on the Ashes tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 this winter, I want to make things happen. I came to Sussex to make a fresh start”.
Only time will tell if Monty can make a comeback or not. One thing is for sure his fighting spirit will allow him to push his strengths to the maximum. Monty is now under the radar of selectors, good performance with Sussex might earn him a place with the national squad. Monty also has a big fan club itching to see him in the national squad. Chairman of Bexhill Martin Phillimore said: "Everyone at this club wants to see Monty playing in the Ashes this winter: whether pushing the Aussies on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-Turner-c41338 or keeping them at bay with the bat again".
It may not be long before we once again see Monty making a celebratory round on the ground after all he is just down but no out.
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