Cricket: Panesar Under Pressure to Improve Fielding, Says Fletcher

Duncan Fletcher has given his strongest indication that Monty Panesar's slapstick fielding could count against him as England try to build a squad capable of defending the Ashes this winter.

While spectators at Lord's and Edgbaston have warmed to Panesar's gaffes and fumbles, Fletcher - an unashamed admirer of Ashley Giles, whose ongoing rehabilitation from groin surgery has given Panesar his opportunity - has looked on in silent disbelief. Now, in the aftermath of Sunday's Test win over Sri Lanka, the England coach has come as close as he ever does to revealing frustrations about one of his players.

"Monty knows he's under a lot of pressure," he said. "He's working hard at his game and we'll have to monitor that over the next couple of months. He's just got to make sure he improves his fielding and his batting." Asked whether Panesar's lack of all-round ability could cost him his place, Fletcher said: "You have to look at the balance of the team. It depends on other players, like whether we have a good No8. But it's the same with any player and poor fielding. You have to look at the total package: what does he contribute to the side?"

Fletcher couched most of his answers in general terms and stressed he has no issue with Panesar's work ethic. He also played down suggestions that the left-arm spinner needs a specialist one-on-one fielding coach. "He's always calling a coach across to work with him," he said. "As long as he's trying his damnedest, there's nothing more you can ask."

Fletcher called England's victory at Edgbaston "important" but called for greater ruthlessness. "When they get on top they've got to make sure they don't take their foot off the accelerator," he said. Fletcher cautioned against rushing Steve Harmison, Simon Jones and Giles back from injury. He said Jones was "taking his time" and Giles was "progressing slowly".