Bell backs Panesar for Test berth

England scored 212-7 declared and 47-1, while the CA Chairman’s XI managed 254-8 declared.

Stand-in skipper Ian Bell praised Panesar, saying: “I thought he bowled beautifully – right back to his best.

“We know we have the flexibility if we need two spinners that he can play and not just for this tour, but going forward where he can keep pushing Swanny (Graeme Swann).

“He showed that absolute quality you need in a left-arm spinner.”

Ground announcer David Nixon, meanwhile, was stood down by Cricket Australia for allegedy racially mocking Panesar during day two of the game, a claim he has since vehemently denied.

A CA spokesman said: “Cricket Australia deemed the conduct of the PA announcer as inappropriate.”

Panesar will be hoping to be selected for the second Test in Adelaide, starting on Thursday.

Bell backed his inclusion too, adding: “I definitely think Monty is ready to play in a Test match.

“It is not easy coming on tour when you haven’t played a lot of cricket, but he bowled really well.

“It was nice to see him settle into that rhythm very quickly and it is a possibility with that flexibility to play two spinners and if we do he can play.

“Absolutely, his head is in the right space. We know the two of them can work together and maybe going forward he can keep pushing Swanny for a place.”