World cricket's highest wicket-taker Shane Warne says England spinner Monty Panesar has a real chance of being very successful on the international stage.
The Australian spin great believes Panesar, the first Sikh to play for Britain, has what it takes to scale dizzying heights.
"To me, he is the new Monty Python: something completely different," Warne wrote in his column in The Times today.
"Three things strike me straight away. First, he has that bit of spunk about him. Secondly, he loves bowling. He will need that when he has to bowl long spells on flat pitches. And thirdly, he is very astute at reading a situation," Warne wrote.
"He has good control and when conditions suit, that allows him to bowl faster and still spin the ball."
Warne said bowling in Australia would be a test of character for Panesar.
"Our batsmen are naturally positive and they will try to take him on.
"As for the crowds, they could go either way. There are always one or two opposition players they take to. On the other hand they always pick out another one or two for mickey-taking, and Monty's batting and fielding make him a candidate."
