Panesar called up for England

Monty Panesar will join England's tour party to India, the ECB announced at a press conference at Lord's on Friday. Panesar, the 23-year-old uncapped left-arm slow bowler, will be England's third spinner alongside Shaun Udal and Ashley Giles - if Giles is fit enough: Ian Blackwell will be on standby to replace him.

Panesar got the nod ahead of Blackwell and Alex Loudon, having staked a strong claim with 46 wickets for Northamptonshire at 21.54 apiece in last season's Championship. He has also represented England Under-19 and attended the ECB Academy in the winter of 2002. He has received criticism for his batting and fielding in the past, but went to Darren Lehmann's Academy in Adelaide to work on these disciplines this winter, and the move appears to have paid off.

So, that's one of England's spin problems resolved. The other - Giles's fitness - offers more cause for concern for England. Giles is struggling to recover from an operation on a hip injury which had forced him to return home early from Pakistan: for now he has been told to rest rather than undergo further rehabilitation. Blackwell, who could take his place, has been named in England A's squad to tour the West Indies. The side will be captained by Vikram Solanki.

The news will delight David Graveney, the ECB's chairman of selectors, in particular. Graveney has spoken in support of Panesar recently, and today he said, "It is hugely to his credit that he took the initiative in approaching the selectors before Christmas to discuss how he could improve all aspects of his game and we are delighted with the progress he has made following his recent trip to Adelaide."

"Ian Blackwell has been placed on standby to join the Test squad if Ashley fails to recover from his injury in time prior to the tour. Further discussions will take place with the medical team with regard to this nearer to the time of the team's departure for India.

"The selectors also considered Alex Loudon for the Test squad, and although he has not been included on this occasion, he made a good impression in Pakistan and is one of a number of spin-bowlers we have chosen in the England A squad to tour West Indies."