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Sussex bowler Monty Panesar posed a question to team selectors Thursday with a 5-37 as England dimissed the Sri Lanka Board XI for 169 while spin partner Graeme Swann was left wicketless.
Since being restored to the international set-up, Panesar has grabbed 'five-fors' in each of the four matches he has played, including 14 wickets in two Tests against Pakistan. Despite his efforts, Panesar insists Swann is top dog among the spinsters in the England camp, and dismisses any talk of a rivalry.
"Yes, he's the No1 spinner. Absolutely," the modest Panesar said. "We work together as partners out there and I'm guided by him. I ask him: 'Should we do this?' and 'What shall we do here?'
"We work very well out there in tandem. It's something we did quite well at Northamptonshire together and we're reconnecting out here."
Seamer James Anderson also got his share of success in the innings, taking the first four Sri Lankan wickets, while paceman Steven Finn helped himself to that of Ashen Silva, who top-scored with 66.
Swann managed four maidens in his 0-47 in 18 overs. For the moment, though, it is unlikely there will be too much true competition between he and Panesar as the humid conditions in Sri Lanka dictate that England will play two spinners throughout the series.
However, if the trend continues, Swann could well be looking over his shoulder come the summer series back home.
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