Monty Panesar’s career seems to be getting back on track. After being selected in the England test squad for the Ashes series down under, the 31 years old left arm spinner has now been signed on a permanent basis by Essex.

Panesar had spent a bit of time at Essex towards the end of the last season too, but, he was there on loan only. He performed pretty well in that brief period though and managed to get his spot back in the England test squad.

There were speculations that the county might sign him on a permanent basis because of his consistent performances during the loan period and those speculations proved to be true.

The second half of the last season was pretty tough for Panesar. Because of his misbehaviour with the security persons at a bar, his county Sussex terminated his contract.

Essex then signed him on loan and according to Panesar, he is thankful to Essex for giving him that opportunity during that difficult period.

Talking to the reporters yesterday, Panesar said, “I had a fantastic time at Essex towards the end of the previous season. I was there only for a brief period of time, but, I felt comfortable both on and off the ground.”

“I will never forget the huge round of applause that the fans had given me when I was brought into the attack to bowl my first over for Essex. That was really helpful for me. I started feeling respected again.”

Meanwhile, the CEO of the Essex county cricket club Derek Bowden has expressed his happiness over the fact that Panesar signed for his county on a permanent basis.

Bowden said, “We are glad that Monty signed a permanent deal. It was great to have him here last season. He performed well and hopefully, he will continue to do so in future as well.”