HAIL MONTY - THE KING OF SPIN

Following England's convincing third Test performance against Pakistan, Lycos Sport takes an admiring look at left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, the new cult hero of English cricket.

OK, so don't tell us Monty is his real name?

OK then, I won't. 'Monty' actually comes from his nickname, 'The Monster'. To his parents though, England's spinning sensation will always be Mudhsuden Singh Panesar.

He must have the longest name for an English cricketer, like ever...

Don't exaggerate now. It's a Punjabi name if you must know. Monty holds the proud distinction of being the first Sikh to represent England - something which has contributed to his status as a cult hero.

Are we about to witness the great Asian explosion in the England cricket team?

There are others who will be knocking on the door in the near future. Sajid Mahmood, who looked a bit creaky in his first innings and took some stick from the Pakistan fans is another exciting youngster. He'll be on the plane to Australia for the Ashes too.

Hasn't our new hero Monty been around for a while now?

He did make his international debut five years ago at the age of 19, but then put his cricket career on pause so he could focus on his studies at Loughborough University. Now he's doing big things with Northamptonshire and England.