Harmison wants fans' support

Monty Panesar got the key wicket of Mohammad Yousuf © Getty Images

Steve Harmison has urged England’s vocal support to stop treating cult figure Monty Panesar as a joke and realise his importance to the Test team.

Fast bowler Harmison claimed the headlines on the opening day of the second npower Test at Old Trafford by claiming six for 19 to dismiss Pakistan for 119 and enable England to claim a 49-run lead by reaching 168 for two by the close.

But alongside Harmison’s impressive display, there was an equally eye-catching performance from Northamptonshire left-arm spinner Panesar which got overlooked by most of the crowd.

Panesar claimed three for 21 in his 7.4 overs, including the key wicket of Mohammad Yousuf shortly before lunch, yet the only cheers and recognition he received was when the crowd jeered his fielding.

But Harmison stood up for his new team-mate and stressed today:

“It upsets me a lot when people have a go at Monty.

“When the ball goes to him in the field the crowd laugh and they jeer.

“But Monty is a very, very good left-arm spinner and a number 11 batsman and the guy works so hard on his fielding it’s ridiculous - he works just as hard on his fielding as he does on his bowling and his batting.”

Harmison believes Panesar played a key role in helping him claim his first five-wicket haul for 11 Tests by keeping up the pressure at the other end.

“What he’s done is prove to everyone every time he plays a Test match is he’s getting better and better with his batting, bowling and fielding,” said Harmison.

“I think Monty bowled an exceptional spell from the other end. He kept the man on strike for me to attack and when you get that it’s good because you don’t have to work anyone over because you’ve done it the previous over.”

Steve Harmison took six wickets © Getty Images

For all Panesar’s efforts, though, it was Harmison who claimed the spotlight after producing his best display since his memorable performance in grabbing seven for 12 to humble West Indies at Sabina Park in Jamaica two years ago.

“It was getting there at Lord’s, but I came here after practising three times in the week for Durham and I arrived with a bit of a spring in my step,” he added.

“There was more rhythm at Sabina Park, but I felt as though my action was solid here compared to Lord’s.

“I only did it for three or four balls an over then if that, but I think you can count on one hand the number of balls that went down the leg-side in 15 overs.”