Panesar relishes India challenge
Panesar will be looking to add to his 65 Test scalps
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Monday, 16, Jul 2007 10:12
England bowler Monty Panesar says that he expects India to pose a far greater Test challenge than the touring West Indies side did earlier this summer.
"Obviously they're an experienced Test team with experienced players and it will be a tougher challenge than the West Indies," the Northamptonshire spinner said.
"I'm expecting it to be a tough series, but if things go our way then hopefully we'll get a chance to win but you can't take it for granted playing against India with the team they have - it will be a tough challenge."
Panesar first burst onto the Test scene by capturing the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar with a sublime drifting delivery in 2005 and the prospect of facing the legendary batsman again adds extra interest to the series for the 25-year-old.
"I was lucky then [in Nagpur] but it'll be a new experience now, they're a great team. There's a lot of experienced players in that team, that's what makes it such a challenge," he said.
However the potential impact of Panesar's left-arm wrist spin has been downplayed by former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer, who has upped the ante before the first Test begins at Lord's on Thursday.
"Monty is a great bowler and he will be a threat to the other batsmen around the world, but not the Indian batsmen. Monty will be meat and drink for our boys," he said.