England’s lack of certainty in the spin bowling department looked to be arrested by the emergence of Monty Panesar, who claimed his fourth five-wicket haul in just over twelve months in the Test Match against the West Indies at Lord’s in 2007.
On a good batting pitch at the Home of Cricket, England had racked up a mammoth 553 for 5 declared, with no less than four centurions in their line-up.
The West Indies, with the likes of Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul in amongst their ranks, made good inroads towards the big total but as they seemed to master England’s seam attack, it was Panesar they couldn’t handle.
The left-armer took six wickets, four of them leg-before as the Windies reached 437 all out. Panesar ended the innings with figures of 6 for 129 from 36.1 overs.
England declared their second innings on 284 for 8, setting the Windies 401 to win but only 20 overs were possible on the final day and the match ended in a draw.