MONTY'S TURN Taking My Chances

Hardback. The author takes a look at his extraordinary rise to stardom. His formative cricket years were not those of the typical English cricketer. Taught spin bowling by a friend of his father, Hitu Naik, his first experience of league cricket was with the Luton Town and Indians CC, a team that played in the Hertfordshire League. His raw talent soon brought him to the attention of other clubs, and saw him signed to Northamptonshire before he had completed his degree at Loughborough. Since his call-up to the England senior squad, Panesar's life has been a whirlwind of headlines and hero worship. One of the few positives to come out of England's Ashes tour of Australia in 2007, his tally of 5 wickets for 92 runs on his opening appearance in the 3rd Test lifted English spirits and secured his place in the nation's affections. Illus., Career Record + Index. 263pp. 8vo. h/back. F. in F. dw.