Monty has lifted English spirits: Steve Waugh

Sydney, Dec 15 (UNI) Such was the impact of Monty Panesar's presence on English spirits that they looked a completely different side from the one which surrendered the first two Tests to Australia, observed former Aussie captain Steve Waugh, who was bowled over by the honest charm of the left-armer.

''It's amazing what effect an infusion of energy can do to the attitude of a team. As soon as Monty Panesar came on to bowl, England's spirit seemed to lift in unison with his enthusiastic demeanour,'' Waugh wrote in his column for the 'Daily Telegraph'.

''His body language was assertive and the spring in his step was contagious. Suddenly the heaviness of the previous Test loss evaporated and the teams were on a level playing field, jousting at each other and probing for a weakness,'' he added as he assessed Monty's impact on his Ashes debut.

The left-armer became the first English bowler to take a five-wicket haul at Perth as he made a dream Ashes debut. Waugh said Monty tested the patience of the Aussie batsmen with his varied flight unlike Ashley Giles, whose consistency allows the batsmen to settle down.

''I even like the way Monty appeals. When he turned and appealed for Brett Lee's lbw it struck me that he has such an honest face it's almost as if you couldn't turn him down,'' he said.

''Panesar's flight was nice and varied while his subtle changes of pace asked questions of the batsman's patience and technique rather than allowing him to settle without cause for concern,'' Waugh added.

Waugh also praised seamer Steve Harmison, who came back with a four-wicket haul after being hit all over the park in the first two Tests.

''Hard work and preparation do actually lead to good performances and thankfully England's enforcer, Steve Harmison, finally turned up to give the attack some authority and edge with a purposeful display of fast bowling,'' he said.

''It was two Tests later than it should have been but, to his credit, Harmison has taken all the negative publicity and turned it around through countless overs in the nets and counsel from those close to him,'' he added.

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