Australia prepare to counter Panesar

Australia's batsmen say they are planning to dominate Monty Panesar from the outset of this year's Ashes series. Panesar was one of the stars of England's recent home Test series win over Pakistan, and is generating considerable interest ahead of the Ashes, with Australia's cricketers singling him out in their pre-series talks.

"He's a terrific young bowler, a terrific young character and has an obvious passion for the game and he'll add a real flavour and touch to this series," Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist said. "Like any new spinner we haven't seen before we'll try to get on top of him before he gets on top of us but a lot of that will be dictated by the conditions and the match scenario."

Simon Katich, who is trying to bat his way back into the Australian Test team after being axed after the first Test against West Indies almost a year ago, rates Panesar highly. "I faced him last year on the Ashes tour and I was impressed," Katich said at the Australian team camp. "Monty is a bowler who tries to give you a bit of air. He does try and turn it. He is bowling genuine wicket-taking balls and knocking good players over."

Panesar may have his critics as a batsman and an out-fielder, but he is highly rated by national team coach Duncan Fletcher. "As a finger spinner there is probably no one to match him in world cricket at the moment - his control is very, very good," Fletcher said.

Stuart MacGill, the Australian legspinner, believes Panesar's guile and variety will add plenty to the England bowling attack, which was dominated by its reverse-swinging pace attack in the last series between the two teams. "I think the more variations in personality, approach and background that you can incorporate into your team set-up, the more able you are to deal with a variety of situations," MacGill said last week. "Monty's certainly got an approach that will help any team he's in. He'll definitely help the England side out just by being there. His approach is different to the other guys in the side and I think that's very valuable."