Monty Panesar gets England recall for Ashes

Uncapped trio of Ballance, Stokes and Rankin included as well.

LONDON: Controversial spinner Monty Panesar was given a chance to revive his England career after being named yesterday in a 17-man squad for the forthcoming Ashes tour of Australia.

England also selected uncapped trio of batsman Gary Ballance, all-rounder Ben Stokes and seamer Boyd Rankin for a tour where they will bid to win a fourth straight Ashes series against Australia.

Otherwise the squad - again captained by Alastair Cook - contained few surprises, with England again relying on the bulk of the side that completed a 3-0 home Ashes win over Australia last month.

Panesar has long been regarded as England’s second-best spinner after off-break bowler Graeme Swann.



“He’s appreciated he’s made errors and he’s very sure that those errors are behind him now,” England national selector Geoff Miller said of Panesar. “He’s an experienced international player. He’s very prepared to let his bowling do the talking for him, so I’m prepared to accept that.”

Both Rankin and Stokes impressed during the recent 2-1 one-day series loss to Australia but Ballance was given his chance on the back of consistent performances.

Tremlett preferred over Onions in bowling

Fast-bowler Chris Tremlett was given one of the bowling slots in preference to Graham Onions.

All-rounder Tim Bresnan was not part of the official party, but is set to travel with the squad to Australia as he continues his recovery from the back injury. The England Test squad is due to arrive in Perth on October 25, with the first Ashes match set to start on November 21.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2013.

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