Panesar ready to turn on style

Watch Monty Panesar's interview with ECBtv in full in the player above

Monty Panesar hopes he and spin partner Graeme Swann can join forces to help England win the Ashes.

The 27-year-old left-armer has not played for England since the final Test of the West Indies tour in March, with Swann taking the lone spinner’s role in the two return Tests against West Indies in May.

But, despite enduring a difficult time with Northamptonshire this summer, Panesar is pushing to be named alongside Swann in England’s side for the opening npower Ashes Test at Cardiff next week.

He has been included in the team that is currently taking on Warwickshire in a warm-up game at Edgbaston, taking 3-10 in the first innings, and with the Cardiff track expected to welcome spin, Panesar has put all rivalry aside and hopes he and Swann can join forces to give England the advantage.

Monty Panesar is in a nice groove after finding some form for England at Edgbaston

“I think Graeme Swann has been bowling well,” he told ECBtv. “I hope both of us can come together at the top of our form and play a crucial role in winning the Ashes.

“It’s great to have healthy competition and it helps you concentrate on your own development as well because I am really geared up. I hope to see my passion and celebrations.”

If Panesar does get the nod, it will not be the first time that he has come up against Australia following his involvement in the ill-fated 2006/07 Ashes.

After his omission from the opening two Tests, Panesar burst into the series by taking 5-92 at Perth and, with an impressive record against the top sides, he feels a team like Australia brings the best out of him.

“I’ve done well against leading teams and I like to play against Australia," he added. "The way they play their cricket is really good and it brings the passion out in my bowling and as a competitor.”

Having finally found some form this summer after a trying time in county cricket - he has taken just six first-class wickets for Northants - Panesar is revelling being back amongst the England ranks and is determined to take the opportunity handed to him at Edgbaston to prime himself for next Wednesday.

“It gives me an opportunity to get back to my natural way of bowling," he said.

"I think during my time at Northants I was experimenting with my development and variation and pace, but now it gives me chance to reconnect with my strengths. It gives me chance to get myself ready for the Ashes.”