HAIL MONTY - KING OF SPIN

How big are we talking ?

Well picking up Sachin Tendulkar in England's tour of India in his first ever Test was pretty big. And then we all saw what happened in his first home international season against Pakistan.

So is he really all that, or are we witnessing the great British hype machine at work again?

Well judge for yourself: in his first 9 Tests, he's taken 31 wickets - very good going indeed. Then again, he has a bit to prove if he's thinking about replacing Ashley Giles in the long-term.

Oh yeah, says who?

Well according to England coach Duncan Fletcher, the bearded one has much to learn about about other sides of the game - apart from bowling obviously. Though he's now described Monty as 'the best finger spinner in the world'.

Poor Mr. Giles. Is that the end of his international career for now then?

It's hard to see him overcoming the Monty momentum in time for the Ashes, once he returns from his hip injury. In his own words: "Monty in this last game performed superbly and he's now the man in possession. I have to get my place back. That's the danger when you get injured." He's got that right.

You won't find Monty: Stumbling out of any nightclubs at four in the morning - he's a clean living, non-boozing kinda guy.

You will find Monty: Down at Kenilworth Road on a Saturday, as he's a big fan of his local footy team, Luton FC.