The Full Monty

No- this is not some kind of belated review of the famous film about Sheffield strippers. It is just to praise England's new cricket hero -Monty Panesar. His two wickets yesterday and all round effort this summer so far is great for the game. I know we needed another 6 wickets to win, but that it is not the point. Poor old Monty was robbed of at least two more wickets by inconsistent umpire Steve Bucknor. I was so furious at one decision, that the barstaff gave me a cautionary glance for bad language in my local Walkabout.

Even when things are not going his way, he always gives maximum effort and his fielding is also showing distinct signs of improvement. Of course, to gain an Ashes place, he will need to show some further genius, a five wicket haul at the oval perhaps, but there is no doubt about it, Monty has become a cult hero in only his second series at home.