Monty Stars
Yesterday, in the wonderful surroundings of The Denis Compton Oval at Shenley, England spin bowler Monty Panesar displayed his ‘all-round’ star quality.
This was despite not bowling a single ball; hitting one defiant Ashes-winning defensive stroke, or revealing his ever-improving fielding skills.
Instead, it was his personable and humble nature which came to the fore, and his desire to share his experience and support the development of gifted and talented young cricketers.
Twenty-two young cricketers representing London County Colts and Surrey (Central) Under 13′s were treated to an afternoon of blazing sunshine, a magnificent pitch on a perfectly manicured square, access to a ‘top-class’ pavilion, a cracking game of Cricket (which went down to the wire with 1 run needed off the last ball), and some special inter-action with one of the world’s most popular and respected cricketers.
In his role as a London County International Ambassador, Monty has given his time freely to support young people on the various mentoring programmes we, as a professional mentoring organisation, run. The perspective Monty shares is based on his rise from council-house background and state-school education, to becoming a university student, professional cricketer, darling of the Lord’s faithful, and the first Seikh to play Cricket for England. Additionally, his experience of starring in adverts for Walkers Crisps and other big companies highlight how life can change as a consequence of achieving fame in sport. Managing oneself well, in the face of such recognition, and maintaining a balanced outlook, can prove too difficult a challenge for some. Monty’s ability to ride the ups and downs of life to date, mean that he is a good role model. His story can be an inspiration to others who dare to dream.
Monty’s narrative is about a boy having a dream, and doing everything in his powers to fulfil it. One such School Workshop we undertook, left several youngsters questioning their teacher the next day what a ‘council-house’ was! Aargh, the value of a broad perspective!!
Not every top sportsman emerges from a sporting ‘hot-house’ academy where they are brought up on perfect surfaces and have their every need catered for by a professional support staff. In fact, there is a very strong argument that such envirnoments do not produce champions. Conversely, the more basic facilties and more competitive environments tend to spawn people with a determination to make the most of whatever the circumstances are immediately in front of them. Emerging from a ‘less-privileged’ background can also help to develop ‘the gratitude attitude’ when special opportunities present themsleves as life unfolds. There is a possibility that little gets taken for granted.
Monty has a special connection with the crowds around the world – a relationship which many other highly successful cricketers never achieve. I wonder if this is because they relate to his story so well? Or is it because they know he is one of life’s real triers, despite sometimes appearing a pantomime villain with the bat, and in the field, in his early days as an England cricketer? One thing is certain, you don’t get the chance to even begin such a relationship unless you are a ‘top-class’ performer. His 8 Test match 5-fers and 126 Test wickets are testament to this.
India arrive in England next month as the world’s leading team, and with Sachin Tendulkar hoping to make a century at Lord’s for the first time, the stage is set for the 2,000th Test in history, and a possible return to centre-stage for Monty. Maybe England’s best chance of defeating India, is to play two spinners in a five-man bowling attack? If and when he does return, maybe his next Test wickets will be the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar (his first Test wicket) and company, so the cricket world can join Monty in his high-five celebrations again.
Monty was a star with the youngsters yesterday, and long may his star shine brightly.
His rise to stardom has been through a few difficult twists and turns of late. His last Test appearance was the miraculous defensive vigil which saved the 1st Ashes Test at Cardiff in 2009, and interrupted Australia’s run of 5 consecutive wins against England. The performance has now become part of Ashes folklore. More recently, he has been a ‘star’ in Sussex’s return to Division One of the County Championship, and playing an increasing role in the south-coast family club’s success in one day and T20 Cricket. Spin bowling is definitely in vogue, especially in the newest format of the game, and Monty is playing his part as one of the promoters of its art.
To listen to him extol the virtues of spin bowling and see how engaged the youngsters were yesterday in his company, highlights what a genuine ‘star’ he is. His passion for his specialist subject, and Cricket as the greatest of games, is limitless.
Long may his message continue to be heard far and wide….
