Cricket: Panesar Puts Pursuit of Perfection Above Settling for Celebrity Status

If Monty Panesar has been changed by his heroics for England in India it is not immediately apparent. Public recognition? People have been very nice actually, the odd autograph in the supermarket, not intrusive at all. Media requests? Oh, it's not been too bad, quite interesting in fact. Returning to the county routine? It's great, bit of stick about that dropped catch off Dhoni, of course, but really good to be with the lads again.

The impression of Panesar as an obliging, affable, if slightly self-conscious figure is confirmed by the lengths to which the left-arm spinner went to accommodate the children queuing for his autograph at Upminster cricket club last week. From posing for pictures whitewashing the sightscreen to diving around bouncy castles, the young Sikh met every request with a similar patience to that with which he bowled 118 overs in three Tests.

In some respects patience was the quality most apparent in what was generally held to be the most promising debut by an English spin bowler since that of Phil Edmonds more than 30 years ago. For many purists, the dipping, turning delivery which bowled Mohammed Kaif in India's first innings of the first Test at Nagpur was the best moment of the tour, though Panesar's personal favourite, understandably, was the ball which trapped Sachin Tendulkar lbw.

He smiles gently at the memory. "At the end of the game I went into their dressing room to ask him to sign it. He did, but as he gave it back to me he said: 'It'll never happen again!'"

In general, however, it was Panesar's control which encouraged the superlatives. An overall return of five wickets for 312 at 62.4 may not sound impressive, but in 118 overs against batsmen who play spin better than any in the world, you could pretty much count the number of really loose deliveries on one hand. In fact if there was any criticism, it was that he was a little too predictable, too wary of trying something different, especially against the lower order. Fair comment?

Panesar nods: "Possibly, yes, but my aim from the beginning was to keep things simple. I mean really simple, as in getting the ball in the right area and not trying anything too complicated, because out there they play spin so well.

"I think that was the right attitude, but if people say maybe I needed to try something different sometimes, I take that on board. I'm always looking to learn, gather information to develop my game."

To that end he overcame his natural diffidence and talked to the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble after each game. He found Harbhajan in particular ready to be helpful. "They're both world-class of course, but I'd like to get to the point Harbajan has reached, when he has enough variations in his armoury to mean you never know what's coming out. He's a mystery spinner, not a traditional spinner, and I know I have a lot to learn in that respect. But you have to take it step by step, not start trying things you might not be properly capable of doing. I've got plenty to work on, but I feel as if I'm heading in the right direction."

The same applies to his batting, which was a darn sight more competent than many England supporters had been led to expect. That Nick Cook, Panesar's coach and second XI captain when he began playing for Northamptonshire six years ago, has suggested that his pupil will eventually have the ability to bat for England at No8, elicits another nod of the head.

"Well, I tried to work on it like I do every aspect of my game. The other England players really helped me. In terms of making a contribution, the least I wanted to be was hard to get out." Taking part in a last-wicket stand of 66 in Nagpur with Paul Collingwood, enabling the Durham player to claim his maiden Test century, was another indication of progress made.

Whether Panesar has done enough to retain his place for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's next month, he would not like to guess. Much may depend on the fitness and form of Ashley Giles but, as he points out, he will take the confidence gained on the subcontinent into the opening games of the championship.

"A lot of cricket is played in the head, and knowing you can bowl consistently to international players definitely helps you to be positive. I loved being part of the England set-up, and if I can start the season well, I'd love to be involved against Sri Lanka and Pakistan . A lot depends on the conditions of course."

The Ashes, he suggests, are simply too far down the road to think about. "I went to India thinking that even if I didn't play a Test, at least I could say I'd been on an England tour and worn the Three Lions. To get the chance to play all three Tests was fantastic, but it doesn't mean I now expect to be picked. My philosophy is to do my best, work hard at my game, and hope, basically."

In the meantime, he is happy to turn out in support of events such as CricketForce. Panesar was in Essex to take part in the NatWest-sponsored initiative aimed at encouraging volunteers to turn out to rejuvenate facilities at more than 1,000 cricket clubs up and down the country.

"I can relax with kids, and if my being around makes them keener on cricket, so much the better. When I was about 11 or 12, I remember Gordon Greenidge coming to a match at my club, Luton Town and Indians. Even a few words from someone like him was inspiring."

That most of the youngsters queuing for Panesar's signature at Upminster happened to be white was, in a way, as encouraging as the thought of how many British kids of Asian origin his international selection will surely inspire.

"Well, hopefully. But I can't let myself think too much about things other than my own game right now. I'm a young guy from Luton with a lot to learn, and if I want to do well I have to concentrate and keep working and learning."