Apologetic Panesar seeks forgiveness

Cricket365
August 20, 2013

Spin bowler Monty Panesar is determined to regain selection, after being overlooked for the fifth and final Ashes Test, which will get underway at The Oval in London on Wednesday.

Panesar was fined by Brighton police after urinating on security guards outside a nightclub earlier this month, and was subsequently released from his Sussex contract on disciplinary grounds.

He will complete the remainder of the season with Essex, but has not been named in England's 14-man squad for this week's fixture at The Oval. The uncapped Simon Kerrigan was, instead, chosen.

"I apologise for letting the club, my colleagues and my fans down. I am determined to do whatever it takes to gain selection for England this winter. I want to become the best I can be," said Panesar.

"I have endured a challenging time this year off the field and my frustrations have sometimes got the better of me professionally. I am grateful to Sussex for allowing me to be released from my contract for 2014 and 2015 in order to explore other opportunities to further develop my cricket.

"I want to give myself the best chance of playing all forms of the game at the highest level. I would like to thank Sussex for the opportunities, experiences and support I have enjoyed at the club since 2010, and my gratitude for the contribution Sussex have made in providing me with a platform to gain selection for England."

Fast bowler Steven Finn has been recalled – and the lanky Chris Tremlett retained. All-rounder Tim Bresnan and seamer Graham Onions, however, were not considered due to injury.

Seamer Chris Woakes, meanwhile, has been afforded a second chance to debut in a Test – after not getting a berth in the final XI despite featuring the squad for the series against New Zealand earlier this year.

"I'm thrilled to be named in the squad for the final Ashes Test of the summer. Representing your country in any form of the game is a great honour. But Test match cricket, particularly the Ashes, is the pinnacle," added Woakes.

"I was fortunate to be with the team on every day of the fourth Test in Durham, and now being included in the squad is a great opportunity for me to impress – as well as being one that I will relish."