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Monty Panesar: The Full Monty
Having spent 5 years learning his trade in County Cricket, Monty Panesar established himself with England in 2006, quickly becoming a national hero, with his trademark black turban, wide eyes and eager fielding.
Monty was a different type of spinner to those which had gone before, here was someone who was not afraid to 'give it some air' and attack batsmen.
For a time, he was considered the savior of English spin bowling. His commitment and enthusiasm for the sport made him stand out. His performances encouraged others to hone their skills to the extent that others emerged and took his place.
The England team saw glimpses of him after that, most notably when Graeme Swann and Monty combined in Mumbai in November 2012, dubbed the "dust devils" as they returned joint figures of 19 for 323, in one of the greatest England spin double acts in history, only the fourth occasion that England spinners had combined to take 19 wickets or more wickets in a Test and the first time for 54 years.
As Monty's career declined however, so did his health. He struggled with a tiresome shoulder injury before struggling with mental health issues.
Monty was a different type of spinner to those which had gone before, here was someone who was not afraid to 'give it some air' and attack batsmen.
For a time, he was considered the savior of English spin bowling. His commitment and enthusiasm for the sport made him stand out. His performances encouraged others to hone their skills to the extent that others emerged and took his place.
The England team saw glimpses of him after that, most notably when Graeme Swann and Monty combined in Mumbai in November 2012, dubbed the "dust devils" as they returned joint figures of 19 for 323, in one of the greatest England spin double acts in history, only the fourth occasion that England spinners had combined to take 19 wickets or more wickets in a Test and the first time for 54 years.
As Monty's career declined however, so did his health. He struggled with a tiresome shoulder injury before struggling with mental health issues.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published July 26, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 7, 2019
Things don't always go as planned, and in great stories they never do.
Characters in sport are hard to come by these days, but it’s fair to say Monty Panesar is one of them. The foreword to The Full Monty gets it right, Monty Panesar was indeed one of the most memorable characters to have played the game of Cricket. Mudhsuden Singh Panesar, affectionately known throughout the game as Monty, quickly established himself as a national hero after bursting on to the scene with England in 2006. With his black turban, big smile and his adorable celebrations after each wicket, he rapidly became a fan favorite and an inspiration for British Asians. Monty Mania swept the country after he became the first Sikh cricketer to play for England. Not just a world-class spin bowler, Monty remains one of England’s most popular cricketers.
Monty’s story begins with growing up as a happy, enthusiastic child in Luton, the racially charged situation in the UK in those days and the racism faced by his parents. A reluctant cricketer at first, he progressed through Luton and Northants youth team and later senior teams. His first-class debut and selection for England's 2006 tour of India; becoming the First Sikh cricketer to play for England was incredible. For a time, he was considered the savior of English spin bowling. His commitment and enthusiasm for the sport made him stand out. His dream debut; picking Sachin Tendulkar’s (greatest batsman of his generation), his rising popularity in England (“Monty Mania”), his Ashes debut and becoming (albeit for a brief time) “The Greatest Spin Bowler in The World” is a fascinating journey not to be missed.
But It’s not always been smooth sailing for Monty. In fact, there have been some incredible highs as well as lows for him, both on and off the pitch. Monty had a front-row seat as the greatest dramas of one of English cricket’s most successful eras unfolded: He achieved tremendous team success but he also witnessed his own teammates facing mental health issues and fading away one by one. He became a top-class spinner but struggled with frequent loss of form and fitness. Eventually, it all went downhill with a disturbing deterioration in both his professional and personal life. But every time he appeared down and out, Monty picked himself up to fight for another day. That’s what makes his story so remarkable.
This is a story of all-overcoming ambition, of a glimpse of greatness preceding a descent into darkness, of paranoia & fractured relationships. But more importantly, this is a story of hope, faith, and humanity and ultimately, redemption both personal and collective.
The story is told with honesty and dry wit. Along with some others, Monty is not afraid to take a dig at himself, at his behavior, at his many faux passes and above all his fielding. The tone of the book is humorous throughout, which makes the book a real page-turner. He is ready to take the blame for his failures and controversies, both professional and personal, instead of blaming it on others, which I found refreshing and honest. Monty explores some dark corners of his life, but each time it has Monty fighting back against some incredible odds. For every criticism, Monty has given due credit for his successes to his coaches, teammates, and family.
The best part of the book though, it does not aim to be a misery memoir. This is a story told with humor and humanity. Even the writers hope that his book will have an uplifting effect on the readers. The book ends on a positive note and you believe Panesar certainly achieved what he set out to achieve. Overall, The Full Monty is an incredibly feel-good, hilarious and inspiring story of a much-loved cricketer which will both entertain and inspire you.
Many thanks to the publishers Pen & Swords Books Limited for the ARC.
Characters in sport are hard to come by these days, but it’s fair to say Monty Panesar is one of them. The foreword to The Full Monty gets it right, Monty Panesar was indeed one of the most memorable characters to have played the game of Cricket. Mudhsuden Singh Panesar, affectionately known throughout the game as Monty, quickly established himself as a national hero after bursting on to the scene with England in 2006. With his black turban, big smile and his adorable celebrations after each wicket, he rapidly became a fan favorite and an inspiration for British Asians. Monty Mania swept the country after he became the first Sikh cricketer to play for England. Not just a world-class spin bowler, Monty remains one of England’s most popular cricketers.
Monty’s story begins with growing up as a happy, enthusiastic child in Luton, the racially charged situation in the UK in those days and the racism faced by his parents. A reluctant cricketer at first, he progressed through Luton and Northants youth team and later senior teams. His first-class debut and selection for England's 2006 tour of India; becoming the First Sikh cricketer to play for England was incredible. For a time, he was considered the savior of English spin bowling. His commitment and enthusiasm for the sport made him stand out. His dream debut; picking Sachin Tendulkar’s (greatest batsman of his generation), his rising popularity in England (“Monty Mania”), his Ashes debut and becoming (albeit for a brief time) “The Greatest Spin Bowler in The World” is a fascinating journey not to be missed.
But It’s not always been smooth sailing for Monty. In fact, there have been some incredible highs as well as lows for him, both on and off the pitch. Monty had a front-row seat as the greatest dramas of one of English cricket’s most successful eras unfolded: He achieved tremendous team success but he also witnessed his own teammates facing mental health issues and fading away one by one. He became a top-class spinner but struggled with frequent loss of form and fitness. Eventually, it all went downhill with a disturbing deterioration in both his professional and personal life. But every time he appeared down and out, Monty picked himself up to fight for another day. That’s what makes his story so remarkable.
This is a story of all-overcoming ambition, of a glimpse of greatness preceding a descent into darkness, of paranoia & fractured relationships. But more importantly, this is a story of hope, faith, and humanity and ultimately, redemption both personal and collective.
The story is told with honesty and dry wit. Along with some others, Monty is not afraid to take a dig at himself, at his behavior, at his many faux passes and above all his fielding. The tone of the book is humorous throughout, which makes the book a real page-turner. He is ready to take the blame for his failures and controversies, both professional and personal, instead of blaming it on others, which I found refreshing and honest. Monty explores some dark corners of his life, but each time it has Monty fighting back against some incredible odds. For every criticism, Monty has given due credit for his successes to his coaches, teammates, and family.
The best part of the book though, it does not aim to be a misery memoir. This is a story told with humor and humanity. Even the writers hope that his book will have an uplifting effect on the readers. The book ends on a positive note and you believe Panesar certainly achieved what he set out to achieve. Overall, The Full Monty is an incredibly feel-good, hilarious and inspiring story of a much-loved cricketer which will both entertain and inspire you.
Many thanks to the publishers Pen & Swords Books Limited for the ARC.
January 30, 2020
Enjoyed. A very honest and frank account of his rollercoaster life and career. Amusing in many parts too! Made very readable with the help of co writer Fred Atkins.
April 16, 2020
An amazing insight into Montys career and what he has been through.
This book is funny and interesting to read and I do recommend it if you are a avid cricket fan.
This book is funny and interesting to read and I do recommend it if you are a avid cricket fan.
July 16, 2020
Really honest, very interesting
August 14, 2022
Interesting read about the mental disintegration from the highs and lows of an international cricketer. Easy enough to read, and some new insights.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews