Panesar answers SOS from Selwood

TOTTERIDGE Millhillians skipper Steve Selwood knew exactly who he wanted when his side were short of a spinner – former England international Monty Panesar.

The 34-year-old has 167 wickets in 50 Tests for England but hasn’t played for his country in the longest format of the game since 2013.

His last appearance for Northamptonshire’s first string came at the beginning of July with his most recent run-out coming for the second XI at the end of last month.

So with his side in need of a spinner, Selwood delved into his contacts book and came up with the name of the former Sussex and Essex man.

“I went to Loughborough Uni with him and we were talking over the winter,” he explained. “He had some games at home for Luton Town & Indians and I told him we were in need of a spinner for the long term – he jumped at the chance.

“When I was looking to recruit a spinner, he was one of the first people that I turned to.

“He wanted to play in firstclass cricket ideally but the next best thing was to play at a good level. Bringing him in was an obvious choice and he’s been fantastic.”

Panesar has been a success for Totteridge, who held reigning Hertfordshire Premier Division champions Radlett to a draw on Saturday with their star spinner taking 4-54.

And despite his stellar pedigree, Panesar is every bit “one of the lads” according to his captain.

“He mucks in and helps out – he’s one of the lads,” said Selwood. “He puts out the boundary rope and things like that.

“He is someone the young lads look up to and he’s always happy to give out bits of advice or sign autographs.”