Monty 'best in World', Declares Fletcher

Duncan Fletcher today hailed Monty Panesar as the "best finger spinner in world cricket" following his six wickets against Pakistan in the third Test at Headingley.

The comments represent quite a flip-flop from the England coach, who was distinctly curmudgeonly about Panesar's talents after he took eight wickets at Old Trafford in the second Test. Wait until he bowls on pitches that don't offer much assistance was the gist.

Now, however, Fletcher is a believer. "He bowled very well again," he admitted. "As a finger spinner there is probably no one to match him in world cricket at the moment - his control is very, very good. This has been a different pitch to the one he did well on at Old Trafford, a lot slower. Danish Kaneria was uncomfortable against our batters but Monty turned it again."

Fletcher was even more fulsome in his praise for Lancashire's Sajid Mahmood, who finished with Test-best figures of four for 22 as England wrapped up their series victory. "We have always been pretty confident in Saj," he said. "I've seen some real potential in him, especially considering who he is replacing in Simon Jones and what we need as a priority in Australia to bowl them out two times.

"The first thing that impressed me was his pace, that is why I wanted to take him away last winter," he added. "What also impresses me a lot about him as a quick bowler is that he tried things and if they didn't come off he didn't become reclusive on those attempts, he was happy to try it again. He is also quite a calm individual but the key thing is speed, I have always believed you have to have someone who can bowl at 90 miles per hour."

But Fletcher being Fletcher, he wasn't getting carried away. "Saj still has a lot to learn, we have still to get his wrist right," he added. "Kevin Shine has been working with him but you saw there are occasions where if he bowls consistently he can be pretty effective."