Former England spinner Monty Panesar writes to all 18 counties to revive his career

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that he wrote letters to all 18 first-class counties with a hope of reviving his cricketing career. The left-arm orthodox, who played 50 Tests for England, was released by Essex in 2015 and played for Northamptonshire in 2016 for a brief period.

Panesar took 167 wickets in Tests for England after making debut against India in an away series in 2006 and last played in Australia in 2013. He averages 34.71 in the longest format. In the ODIs, he took 24 wickets in 26 matches. He currently plays club cricket for Hornchurch in Essex and said he aims to play county cricket again and eventually represent England again.

Hopeful of getting an opportunity somewhere

The 36-year-old told BBC World Service that he sent the letters “four to six weeks ago”. “I’m hoping that one of the county coaches can give me a go – give me a net, give me a trial,” he said, adding that he still harbours huge ambitions to feature in a professional game, according to BBC.

“I want to hopefully get an opportunity somewhere with a team because I still have that desire,” he said. The bowler had a long time with Northamptonshire and joined Sussex in 2010 but was released after he courted a controversy by urinating on a bouncer at a nightclub.

The bowler then shifted to Essex where he struggled and was unavailable for the 2015 season because of off-ground problems. He also spoke about his problems with issues like low confidence which led to anxiety and paranoia and he had disturbing affairs with the opponents and umpires.

Panesar had spoken about his mental issues in an interview with the Guardian earlier as well. He said he was working on improving things. “Stuff like yoga, mindfulness, fitness, a bit of hypnotherapy. And now I feel really great in that regard. Sometimes it’s just as simple as going away and doing a physical activity, or going and having a conversation with a person you trust. The medication is good for a while but I don’t think long term it’s a good thing – it makes you a bit more down, like you’re in a box. You don’t feel yourself,” Panesar said.

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