Luton spinner Panesar wins England Ashes call-up

England's Monty Panesar celebrates taking the wicket of Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez during the first day of the second cricket test match of a three match series between England and Pakistan Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Panesar, 31, tweeted: “Absolutely thrilled to be in ashes squad #cantwait #excited #positivity #workhard”

The Ashes begins in Brisbane on November 21, with the fifth and final Test starting in Sydney on January 2.

Speaking before the announcement, the Essex loan man was hoping that his recent good county form would help him earn the call as the support act to Graeme Swann.

He said: “(The Ashes tour) is very much in the back of my mind. If I can focus on some good performances for Essex hopefully that will help me to get selection for the Ashes.”

England Squad: Alastair Cook (C), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Gary Ballance, Michael Carberry, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Ben Stokes, Monty Panesar, Boyd Rankin, Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett.