A cricket club in Norfolk has pulled off a major signing - agreeing terms with an English cricketing legend.
Monty Panesar will join the East Anglian Premier League club Great Witchingham for the 2024 season.
Panesar once called "the saviour of English spin" made 77 appearances for England including 50 in Test matches.
He made his last international cap for England back in the 2013/14 Ashes series against Australia. The left-arm spinner continued to play county cricket for Northants (Northamptonshire) until 2016.
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Since then he has had a stint playing club cricket in Sydney, being a spin consultant for Cricket Australia and studying sports journalism before signing for the Norfolk side.
Panesar has been a favourite of many cricket fans known for his fierce spin and great work ethic.
(1/2) Great Witchingham Cricket Club is delighted to announce the signing of Monty Panesar.
— Great Witchingham CC (@GtWitchinghamCC) December 22, 2023
Throughout Monty’s career, he played for England from 2006 to 2013. One of his notable achievements was being a part of the England team that won the Ashes series in 2009. pic.twitter.com/kDZDDBKPfl
In a tweet, Great Witchingham said: "We are delighted to announce that former England spinner Monty Panesar has signed for Great Witchingham CC for the 2024 campaign.
"With over 200 first class games and 700 wickets to his name the former Northants, Essex and England spinner brings a wealth of experience to the club for their Norfolk Cricket League season.
"Congratulations Monty, looking forward to seeing you in action this year.
"Throughout Monty’s career, he played for England from 2006 to 2013. One of his notable achievements was being a part of the England team that won the Ashes series in 2009."
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