Fond memories inspire Panesar

Monty Panesar enjoys a lighter moment ahead of the second Test © Getty Images

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Monty Panesar is relishing a return to Old Trafford hoping previous success can inspire him to a match-winning contribution in the second npower Test.

The left-arm spinner regards Old Trafford’s spin-friendly surface in a similar manner to the way batsmen revere the pitch at Lord’s because it rewards good batting.

In just two Tests in Manchester, Panesar has claimed 18 wickets, with the extra bounce and pace ideally suited to his style of bowling, especially during the latter stages of the match.

Having had little impact during the drawn opening Test at Lord’s, Panesar could not have hoped for a better venue to play at next as England attempt to take a lead in the three-Test series.

“This is one of my favourite grounds,” Panesar said. “I’ve had success here and I’m going to be looking forward to bowling here coming into this Test.

“I enjoy bowling here because the wicket has a bit of pace and bounce and my style of spin suits this kind of wicket. My record shows that.

“I’ve had success here and hopefully I can build on that and do well in this Test match.

“I like the pace of the wicket here because the ball often gathers pace after bouncing and it turns quite sharply. My kind of pace suits this kind of wicket.”

If Old Trafford is kind to Panesar then it will be equally suitable to New Zealand captain and fellow slow left-armer Daniel Vettori, who claimed the man-of-the-match award at Lord’s for his five-wicket haul in the first innings.

Panesar is hoping a return to Old Trafford for the second Test brings him more success with the ball

Friday’s match will be Panesar’s 28th at this level while Vettori will be starting his 82nd Test, and England’s premier spinner believes that experience gap is the major difference between the pair.

Panesar said: “He’s played international cricket forever and I suppose with us both being left-arm spinners it’s natural to compare, but I think it’s a bit unfair.

“I’ve only just started in international cricket and he’s played for years - he knows his craft. I look up to him and maybe in a few years time I can emulate what he does.

“I look at him and see how he bowls and the success he’s had in all forms of the game - it’s refreshing to see another left-arm spinner do well.”

Vettori perhaps sums up the determination in the New Zealand ranks after they battled back to earn a deserved draw at Lord’s and that experience has convinced England they are facing a tough battle to win this series in the next few weeks.

“We realise with the way New Zealand played on that final day at Lord’s that we’re going to be in for a tough series here,” Panesar added.

“They’re a very determined side, but we’re hoping the success we’ve had at Old Trafford can continue this week.

“They’ve got dangerous players, particularly in the middle order, and we know we’re going to be up against a determined side. With the success and the bounce that excites everyone here, hopefully we can win this Test.”

All-rounder Paul Collingwood, restricted to just three overs in the first Test, came through a lengthy bowl in the nets at Old Trafford to give England further options with the ball.