Monty Panesar

Nagpur: The Luton-born Mudhsuden ‘Monty’ Singh Panesar isn’t expecting any of his India-based relatives to turn up for the first Test, beginning here on Wednesday, but definitely expects some to be present in Mohali ? venue of Test No. 2, from March 9.

“I have quite a few relatives in Ludhiana (from where parents Paramjit and Gursharan migrated) and I suppose they’re going to come to Mohali... That, at least, is my expectation,” the slow left-arm bowler told The Telegraph.

Interacting briefly at the team hotel, on Monday afternoon, Panesar said he didn’t have a role model spinner: “Basically, I’m my own man... Haven’t idolised anybody...”

The first Sikh in line to play Test cricket for England, Panesar turns out for Northants, our own Bishan Singh Bedi’s old County. The 23-year-old can speak Punjabi “fluently”, but English is the language at home.

Panesar has a younger brother (Isher) and sister (Charanjit).