Is Monty the best upcoming spinner in world cricket today?

[Mr Hutt]

I bloody well think he is, if the england team would play him consistently enough he will prove it to the world. Oh that and someone really needs to help him learn how to shoot pool!!! :P

[Rachael]

Possibly... but right now he stands accused (even by his own coach) of bowling too flat and fast: see http://www.world-a-team.com/showthread.php?t=7702

His current rivals (looking at players of no more than 26 years of age) would be Danish Kaneria and Harbhajan Singh (both of whom have seemingly been around forever but neither of whom are significantly older than Panesar).

His leading long-term rival (as orthodox finger spinner) might be Dan Cullen. The Aussies also have Cullen Bailey, a promising wrist-spinner.

ps. I assume the above are the potential heavyweights: I've yet to see much that encourages me to believe Cameron White and Nathan Hauritz have the same promise.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Rachael

Possibly... but right now he stands accused (even by his own coach) of bowling too flat and fast: see http://www.world-a-team.com/showthread.php?t=7702

There is nothing new in that - off spin bowlers have to bowl that way, or get carted.

Flat jack Simmonds the best offie never to have played for England, could not be scored off, that's the point.

Underwood bowled fast and flat, but was one of thee most effective SLA bowlers ever.

SLA bowlers who toss it up "Tuffers Edmunds" could rip though a side, but could never be an automatic choice in an England side.