Struggling Monty is out of touch and must be axed for Ashes, insists Udal

FORMER England spinner Shaun Udal has warned against selecting Monty Panesar for the first Ashes Test in Cardiff next week, writes Chris Stocks. Off-spinner Panesar will take part in England’s final warm-up match against Warwickshire, which starts tomorrow, despite the fact he has taken just six wickets for Northamptonshire this season at more than 90 runs each. But Middlesex captain Udal, who played four Tests during the winter of 2005-06, said: ‘I don’t think Monty has a role this summer. He isn’t taking wickets and you can’t pick a man who is out of form.

I’m surprised by his lack of development since he broke into the England side. Whoever he was listening to when he was younger was doing a very good job. But I think he has too many people talking to him now. ‘Everyone is trying to change him. It’s time for him to get back to basics.’ Udal was also full of praise for young Australia opener Phil Hughes, who he captained at Middlesex during the early partof this season.

The 20-year-oldleft-hander plundered 574 runs in three championship matches,and Udal said: ‘He has a touchof genius about him. The way heplays, conducts himself. There’s no doubt he will score runsduring the Ashes.’