Panesar scores highest first class score

The last time Monty Panesar was praised for his batting exploits he had managed to hold on in the first Ashes test in Cardiff last year and scored 7*. However Monty's performance with the bat today is much different, and much more impressive.

The former England left-arm orthodox bowler was left stranded on 46* when his Sussex teammate Corey Collymore fell. While Monty was agonisingly just 4 short of his 50, he can take heart from the fact that the runs he added to Sussex's score at Hove may have won them their 5th County Championship Division Two match on the bounce as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the table.

However the home side still have a lot of work to do at Hove tomorrow, as Middlesex require another 121 runs with 5 wickets remaining on the final day.