Panesar to have some competition?

The news that Sussex have signed Saqlain Mushtaq for the 2007 season will be met with delight by the fans at Hove, as the idea of Mushtaqs Saqlain and Ahmed bowling in tandem would be quite a sight to behold.  This excitement may not be shared by Monty Panesar.

Saqlain played for Surrey between 1997 and 2004, since then he has been plagued by injuries. But the doosra-inventing off-spinner has kept himself busy by growing a big beard and marrying a British girl, meaning he can apply for a British passport in April.  The latter development has more to do with his marital status than his follicular one I fancy.

As a result of all of this frenetic conjugal immigration activity and bizarre ICC rules on eligibility he can play for England in 2008, meaning he could be after our Sikh hero's spot in the national team.  On the down side we all love Monty and want him to stay, but on the up side at least we won't have to throw away the fake beards.
[lee calvert]