Trescothick's exit weakens Panesar's claim, says Fletcher

Sydney, Nov 18 (UNI) Opener Marcus Trescothick's sudden exit might cost Monty Panesar his berth in the first Ashes Test with England coach Duncan Fletcher hinting that he would prefer Ashley Giles for the latter's better batting ability.

England was supposed to field the same squad which is, currently playing the second warm-up match, in the first Test but Fletcher said Trescothick's departure for stress-related ailments had weakened the batting depth and Monty's poor batting might go against him.

''We wanted Monty if Trescothick was there, because Trescothick added (batting) depth. Now, we might have to re-think it,'' Fletcher told BBC Sport ahead of the first Ashes Test which begins in Brisbane on 23 November.

England is likely to go with four pace bowlers and a single spinner in the match and according to Fletcher, Giles' batting ability gives him in edge of Monty.

If he is picked ahead of Monty, this would be Giles' first Test in a year after the left-arm spinner had undergone three hip operations.

Panesar is more an attacking bowler than his senior teammate and the Indian-born left-arm spinner also showed commendable control in the practice match.

''We're not going to say that side is cast in stone. The major factor is to see what the balance of the side looks like,'' Fletcher explained.

The coach also confirmed that Paul Collingwood would replace Trescothick in the slip cordon.

''Collingwood has fielded in the slips for Durham so he will field third slip when Fred (Flintoff) isn't bowling and second slip when he is,'' he added.

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