Panesar and Cook star for England

FORMER Luton Town & Indians spinner Monty Panesar was in sparkling form as England recorded a comprehensive innings and 15-run win over a Sri Lanka Board Presidents XI at the weekend.

Panesar took 5-37 from 24 overs in the first innings as the hosts were all out for 169, before picking up a miserly 1-22 from 18 overs in the second innings as Sri Lanka collapsed to 119 all out. Ex-Bedfordshire batsman Alastair Cook hit an unbeaten 163 during England’s 303-8.

Both players were rested for England’s current match with a Sri Lanka Development XI, while their Test series starts on Monday.