If Panesar is as good as Vettori over as long a period i will be happy.

I think the comparison stops with the fact that both are very good left arm spinners. As has been said, Vettori has a very intelligent cricketing Brain and when he takes over from Fleming as the Captain, is likely to improve his own bowling performance (like Benaud did after he became Captain) by strategic use of NZ's available attack, including himself. Panesar is a very good bowler with a potential for future greatness, but he needs the guidance and support of a good captain; otherwise, he could lose confidence in himself after a few below par performances.

No but it's the best we have to go one with Panesar playing playing so few matches.

Panesar has a lot to prove before he is considered better than Giles - who at his best is as good as the not so great Vettori.

Panesar could be a great - also could be a flop.

Vettori is a very good bowler who will never be great.

Could you compare these two with the likes of Warne, or underwood, or Bishan Bedi - I think not.

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Ern

Panesar has the potential to be a very good Test bowler, and Vettori is a very good Test bowler.

This for me is the difference. As it is I doubt Panesar will ever match Vettori with the bat or in the field. But he should be able to match him, and over take him with the ball.

Today they go head to head in an ODI, and it is possibly the case that the spinners will win it!!

Panesar is a fantastic bowler, but some other aspects of his game let him down. For instance, Batting. Vettori is a better batter and a better fielder. Panesar might just be a better bowler, but they both really are good left arm spinners. Vettori cuts the cake though, so I'll say Vettori.

This is similiar to comparing Theo Walcott to Alan Shearer...

Interesting you say by a mile as their records are fairly similar, (Montys record in australia is better than vettoris by the way)

I would say they are quite evenly matched with the ball which I assume is what we're talking about. If we talking about batting Vettori is clearly in front. I would say they are both good cricketers but Vettori great?? I wonder if you'd say that if he was a pom?

Vettori is smarter and better with the ball. Get over it.

Yep, more variation, done it on the big stage, and is just all round better. Can bat, which helps with selection, but with the ball is clever, will see what the batsmen is about to do (then either drop it short or full etc) and has a super arm ball, to go along with his general tossed up deliveries.

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Hoggy Hoggy Hoggy...OI OI OI!!!

And Panesar has Nixon advising him what to bowl.