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ST LUCIA - Monty Panesar elaborated yesterday on his spectacular rise from one-day joker to potential World Cup hero.
Anyone who had the temerity 12 months ago to suggest that Panesar would play a pivotal role in England's World Cup plans would have run the risk of being certified.
Yes, he could bowl but his fielding and batting had more in common with a village green than cricket's premier tournament.
Yet here he stands, with fielding and batting much improved and a year of international experience behind him, ready to show the world what an outstanding young player he is.
"It is all very exciting," Panesar said. "Twelve months ago I did not expect to be here at the World Cup. In fact, a few months ago I did not even think that I would be part of the one-day team."
Selecting Panesar for England's one-day side has proven to be an inspired and brave decision. Northamptonshire had not viewed him as a limited-over player and Duncan Fletcher, England's coach, constantly spoke of the need for his one-day side to contain cricketers who could bat, bowl and field.
Panesar was picked for the one-day series in Australia, where his bowling improved as the tournament progressed, because the selectors believed the pitches at the World Cup would help the slower bowlers. And to judge by what has taken place in the first 10 days of England's preparations this is proving to be the case.
"How big a role I have to play will obviously depend on the pitches," Panesar said. "There are several new grounds here and we are not quite sure how the pitches will play. But if there is turn and we can see that beforehand then, hopefully, I will have a role. I will just try to sum up the pitches and bowl accordingly.
"I will try not to be too clever and attempt to bowl at the right pace for each pitch.
"I have really enjoyed my one-day cricket. It has helped my cricket because you are constantly thinking in this form of the game.
"The one-day game exposes you to different situations and places responsibility on you and that has to be good. You are constantly being tested and this is how you improve. If you are not up to speed you get found out."
Panesar believes England will be on top of their game in their crucial opening match against New Zealand on Saturday. "Everyone will be fired up.
"KP [Kevin Pietersen] and Freddie [Andrew Flintoff] are going to be important match-winners and they will be up for the game."
Panesar can add his name to this list. England's chances of success depend on him as much as his two illustrious team-mates.
- INDEPENDENT
