London: Expecting a backlash from the visitors, English coach Andy Flower has banned Monty Panesar from bowling to Sachin Tendulkar in the nets, after confirming that the spinner had helped the Little Master practice before the opening salvo at Lord’s.
England may have trounced India in the opening Test but Flower is taking no chances before second match with India at Trent Bridge.
“He did bowl to him in the nets before Lord’s and I think that it is quite a naïve thing to do,” said Flower. “I haven’t spoken to him yet but one would hope he understands that it won’t happen again.”
Monty, who was in the Ashes squad last winter, has played 39 Tests for England but has been on the fringes of the side since the emergence of Graeme Swann.
The English spinner defended himself by saying he had some spare time during Sussex’s T20 campaign and that a youngster like him (he’s actually 29) might pick up some tips by bowling to Tendulkar who is, he said, as if this should somehow excuse his actions, “a wonderful batsman and person”.
As it transpired, Monty’s ingratiating didn’t appear to help Tendulkar, who made 34 and 12 in the Test, but it might have done. (UNI)
