Panesar nominated for BBC award

He can't find a place in England's Ashes team at the moment, but Monty Panesar has still be named as one of the 10 nominees for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which was won by Andrew Flintoff last year.

Panesar earns his place in the list after less than a year in international cricket, but has quickly established a cult following among England fans. In 10 Tests he has taken 32 wickets, including the prize scalps of Sachin Tendulkar, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf.

He played a key role in England's series win over Pakistan after making his debut on the tour of India earlier in the year. However, despite heading to Australia with a burgeoning reputation he has been overlooked for the first two Tests in favour of Ashley Giles.