The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Ponting's warning to Monty

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Monday, Aug 14, 2006

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Ponting's warning to Monty

SYDNEY: Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has warned Monty Panesar of a fierce assault by Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer in the upcoming Ashes series, saying that his team will not allow the rising star to get on top of them.

"We will try and make some sort of impact on him early on. Hopefully, it's a positive one and we won't let him get on top of us," Ponting told the Daily Telegraph here.

"The left-handers, especially Justin and Matty, the way they play spinners are generally aggressive. But you never know what situation he is going to be bowling in either," he said, admitting that he was a bit wary of the spinner.

Monty, who has had a great season so far, is being hailed as an excellent Ashes prospect and several former players including Ian Botham have warned the Aussies to be ready for the new spin wizard.

However, Ponting said his team would not allow the bowler to get off the hook easily and promised to tackle the left-armer with aggression.

"He could be bowling on a wicket that offers him a little bit or at a time where we are under a bit of pressure. At different times I'm sure the guys will be aggressive, and at other times we won't be able to," he said.

The Australian skipper, however, admitted that Monty is more threatening than Ashley Giles and said he was impressed with the spinner's rise. — UNI

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