Monty's turn - Monty Panesar

It's hard to believe Monty Panesar only arrived on the international cricketing scene in March 2006. His electric performances against India and in the Ashes series have seen him catapulted to cult hero status in a matter of months, and widely rated as England's best spin bowler for 30 years.

In MONTY'S TURN, Panesar takes a look at his extraordinary rise to stardom. His formative cricket years were not those of the typical English cricketer. Taught spin bowling by a friend of his father, Hitu Naik, his first experience of league cricket was with the Luton Town and Indians CC, a team that played in the Hertfordshire League. His raw talent soon brought him to the attention of other clubs, and saw him signed to Northamptonshire before he had completed his degree at Loughborough.

Since his call-up to the England senior squad, Panesar's life has been a whirlwind of headlines and hero worship. One of the few positives to come out of England's Ashes tour of Australia this year, his tally of 5 wickets for 92 runs on his opening appearance in the 3rd Test lifted English spirits and secured his place in the nation's affections.

He has declared his ambition to be the best, and it would seem that the now it truly is time for MONTY'S TURN.