Australian batsmen plan to target Panesar

PERTH, Dec 13 (Reuters) Australia's batsmen are planning to launch an all-out assault on England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar if he plays in the third Ashes test starting on Friday.

Panesar was overlooked for the first two tests but is expected to be included for the third match as the tourists search for a way back into the series.

Panesar has been hailed as England's potential saviour after capturing 32 wickets from his first 10 test appearances but the Australians are not completely convinced.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting said his players all respected Panesar's ability but the hype and expectation surrounding his selection could work against him.

''There will be some pressure on him,'' Ponting told a news conference on Wednesday.

Reuters SAM RS1353