Panesar not worried by Aussie crowds

Iain Payten writes in the Daily Telegraph about how Monty Panesar is going to deal with the local crowds during the Ashes.

"When I was here with the England Academy three or four years ago, and last year in Adelaide grade cricket, you could see the passion Australia has for cricket and it is nice to come to a country where there is passion for the game," Panesar said.

In The Australian Andrew Ramsey writes about Ricky Ponting’s thoughts on the third fast-bowling spot for the Ashes.

Ponting, while reiterating he was not a selector, said yesterday he had no issue with McGrath and Clark playing alongside fellow right-arm New South Welshman Lee in the series opener, even if that lent his attack a certain sameness. "You always want variety, but at the end of the day you have to pick your best bowlers, the bowlers you think are capable of taking 20 wickets in a Test match for you," Ponting said.