Pitch perfect for Panesar

Spinner looking forward to playing at one of his favourite grounds

Last updated: 21st May 2008

Monty Panesar England bowling at Lords

Panesar: Looking forward to Old Trafford Test

I've only just started in international cricket and he (Vettori) has played for years, he knows his craft and I look up to him and maybe in a few years time I can emulate what he does.

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Monty Panesar is hoping he can continue his fine run of form at Old Trafford and help England to victory in the second Test, which is live on Sky Sports.

In just two Tests at the Manchester venue the spinner has picked up 18 wickets, with the extra bounce and pace helping his style of slow bowling.

Now, with the series against the Black Caps still deadlocked following a draw in the opening game at Lord's, Panesar is aiming to impress again on another good surface.

Success

"This is one of my favourite grounds," he said. "I've had success here and I'm going to be looking forward to bowling here coming into this Test.

"I enjoy bowling here because the wicket has a bit of pace and bounce and my style of spin suits this kind of wicket and my record shows that.

"I've had success here and hopefully I can build on that and do well in this Test match.

"I like the pace of the wicket here because the ball often gathers pace after bouncing and it turns quite sharply - my kind of pace suits this kind of wicket."

While Panesar will enjoy the chance to bowl on the Old Trafford pitch so too should fellow spinner, and New Zealand captain, Daniel Vettori.

A veteran of 81 Tests, Vettori picked up five wickets in England's first innings at Lord's that led to him winning the Man-of-the-Match award.

Comparisons

With two slow left-armers on display it is easy to make comparisons, but Panesar feels to compare him to the Kiwi is unfair considering his lack of experience.

"He's played international cricket for ever and I suppose with us both being left-arm spinners it's natural to compare but I think it's a bit unfair," he added.

"I've only just started in international cricket and he's played for years, he knows his craft and I look up to him and maybe in a few years time I can emulate what he does.

"I look at him and see how he bowls and the success he's had in all forms of the game - it's refreshing to see another left-arm spinner do well."