Former England Bowler Monty Panesar Joins Village Cricket Club After Instagram Message
Panesar recruited by Pelsall Cricket Club after captain Dan Pennell reached out due to overseas player delay
Hızlı Bakış
- Former England international cricketer Monty Panesar has joined Pelsall Cricket Club in Walsall after receiving an Instagram message from captain Dan Pennell.
- The 50-Test veteran, who took 709 first-class wickets in his career, played his first home game against Wombourne last Saturday, with over 100 spectators turning up to watch.
- Despite the team losing, Panesar said he enjoyed the experience and hopes to follow the example of James Anderson by continuing to play club cricket.
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Former England international cricketer Monty Panesar has joined a village cricket club after receiving an Instagram message to fill a spot. The spin bowler, who has played 50 Tests for England, said he enjoyed his first week at Pelsall Cricket Club.
After an overseas player was delayed due to visa and border issues, Dan Pennell, captain of Pelsall Cricket Club's first team, reached out to Panesar to invite him to play, which the professional cricketer said yes to.
"I thought why not, the journey is shorter than my typical batting innings so I thought, yeah, let's just give it a go," he told BBC Radio WM.
He played his first home game against Wombourne on Saturday, but the Walsall-based team lost. "I played on and very much enjoyed it," the athlete said.
Panesar has previously appeared in 50 Tests, 26 one-day matches and a T20 international, as well as taking 709 first-class wickets during his professional career.
"I see someone like James Anderson, you know, playing for Lancashire and [for me] it's that motivation of thinking, I can still play club cricket. I love the game, bowling and interacting with the club, talking about cricket at a grassroot level," he said.
Pelsall, based at the village's cricket and sports club near Walsall, currently play in the South Staffordshire Premier League, in which they finished eighth last summer. The current version of the cricket club was formed in 1919 with the amalgamation of the Pelsall Albion and Pelsall Wesley teams.
A usual turnout for matches played are about 20 people, but over 100 spectators turned up to see the star player hit the field.
"When I took the first wicket everyone was clapping and some of the guys said they'd like to see the 'Monty celebration'. I told everyone I'm here for my expert role, I'm a specialist who can't bat and can't field, so if anybody wants advice on that I'm here to help," he joked.
Despite his accolades, Panesar has enjoyed getting stuck in with being part of a village cricket club.
