Panesar, Monty (1982– )

English cricketer, who bowls left-arm spin. Born to Indian Punjabi parents in Luton, UK, he is the first Sikh to play Test cricket for a nation other than India. Known almost as much for his comical fielding, mediocre batting, and exuberant celebrations as for his actual bowling, he quickly became a crowd favourite in England, with many fans wearing patkas and fake beards in his honour.

Career highlights

Test cricket (2006– ) appearances: 33; overs: 1,283.1; wickets: 114; runs: 3,643; average: 31.95; best: 6–37 (v. New Zealand 2008); batting: runs: 165; average: 5.50; catches: 6

One-day internationals (2007– ) appearances: 26; overs: 218; wickets: 24; runs: 980; average: 40.83; best: 3–25 (v. Bangladesh 2007); batting: runs: 26; average: 5.20; catches: 3

All first-class cricket (2001– ) appearances: 87; overs: 3,346.1; wickets: 311; runs: 9,589; average: 30.83; best: 7–181 (v. Essex 2005); batting: runs: 580 average: 8.05; catches: 21

Awards

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2007

Shortly after being selected for the England Under-19 team, he made his first-class debut for Northamptonshire in 2001. After taking 46 wickets in the 2005 County Championship, he was called into the England squad and made his debut against India in January 2006. His series performance against the West Indies in 2007 – 23 wickets in four Tests at an average of 18.69 – elevated him to number six in the world rankings.