London, August 19: Monty Panesar – who was recalled to the England squad for the fifth Ashes Test – says he is ready to accept the responsibility of spinning his team to victory in the decisive match.
Panesar has not featured in the playing eleven since the opening match at Cardiff.
Only a win will win England back the Ashes and the spin friendly nature of the Oval pitch gives Panesar hope that he will feature alongside off-spinner Graeme Swann when the game gets under way on Thursday.
He is adamant that he will thrive in the rarefied atmosphere, saying: “I feel this is my opportunity.
“I want to take it with both hands and I’m really excited by the prospect and I’m up for the challenge.
“I want to take that responsibility on my shoulders – it excites me and makes me want to be involved. It is something I have always relished; it has always brought out the best out of me when the responsibility is on me.
“When the responsibility is on me and when I’m put in tough situations I feel that I always come out as a better player from it.
“This is what it’s all about. When you are growing up as a young kid this is what you want to be involved in and I definitely like the big occasion because it gets the best out of me.”
Panesar admits guiding England to victory would be a fine way to round off what has been a mediocre season on an individual level at both Test and county level.
“It would be brilliant if we won. I have had a disappointing season,” he added. “There has been lack of wickets so it will be nice to get an Ashes win. It would be a nice way to finish off the year.”
The last time Panesar played for England at the Oval he returned match figures of 4-41 to help England beat South Africa by six wickets.
He practised with the remainder of the squad at the ground today and believes the pitch will suit him well.
“We had a look at the pitch today and it looks like a typical Oval track,” Panesar said.
“The Oval is a nice place to bowl at and with the pace and the bounce it really gets the spinners involved, so I’m excited about that prospect.”
—–Agencies