Monty disappointed at omission; itching to take on Aussies

Sydney, Dec 7 (UNI) Disappointed at being overlooked for the first two Tests in the ongoing Ashes series, England's left-arm spinner Monty Panesar said he was hopeful of making it into the third match to be played at WACA, Perth beginning on December 14.

''I am disappointed I didn't get a chance,'' Monty was quoted as saying by BBC Sports.

''All I can do is focus on the next Test. I would like to be in the XI but I can understand the balance of the team is important,' he added.

He admitted that his less than impressive batting skills were hampering his chances of making it into the playing XI.

''If we lose a quick couple of wickets in the first session then we need a strong batting line-up to prevent us getting skittled for a low total. I can understand the logic behind it but I want to play in the 11,'' said the spinner who has scalped 32 wickets in 10 Test matches.

Everyone, from experts to the man on street, has came down hard on the England management for picking Ashley Giles rather than Monty, an attacking finger-spinner.

However, the 24-year old Indian-born spinner has been selected to play against a CA Chairman's XI tomorrow and against Western Australia on Saturday in a two-day match.

''If I bowl well then hopefully the captain and the coach will take notice so I guess it's up to me to try and bowl well and give myself a good chance,'' he said.

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