 Panesar took eight wickets in the match |
England captain Andrew Strauss urged his bowlers to run in hard at Pakistan in this match. And while Steve Harmison softened up and intimidated the visiting batsmen, Monty Panesar was equally aggressive with his highly impressive - and rapidly improving - left arm spin.
It has to be said a number of Pakistan's batsmen simply did not fancy Harmison here.
Even Inzamam was clearly fazed when he played his second innings - ducking a ball from Harmison that was nowhere near short enough - and this despite Harmison not being at his best on Saturday.
Maybe he was nursing the left side which he tweaked while delivering his wayward loosener on the previous evening, but Harmison was some way short of reproducing the devastating pace, bounce and accuracy that derailed Pakistan's first innings.
Nevertheless, this is a welcome return by England's spearhead and, after so much bad news this summer, there are many reasons for England supporters to be cheerful after this resounding victory.
 | What a choice it would now be between Panesar and Ashley Giles |
Panesar gets better and better by the game. Even his fielding does not appear to be quite as fallible as it was - although he has not had a catch come his way yet. Encouraged by his five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge, he now knows he belongs at this level and is speedily developing a reputation for dismissing the leading batsmen in the opposition ranks.
What a choice it would now be between Panesar and Ashley Giles - they bring different qualities, but there is no doubt that Panesar is the more likely wicket taker.
Competition is really hotting up in the batting ranks as well. Alastair Cook is developing superbly at number three.
He does have a weakness against spin, but that will improve with time and he is as elegant a player of quick bowling as you could wish to see.
Ian Bell played the most fluent innings of the match, and he looks much happier at number six than at three.
However, he remains the most likely fall-guy when Andrew Flintoff returns because of that positional preference.
Sajid Mahmood has yet to convince me of his credentials at this level. He should have enjoyed these conditions being tall with a high action, but was too wayward and bowled too short.
Most likely he will make way for Jon Lewis at Headingley.
