Fletcher was 'pig-headed' for leaving out Panesar, says Botham

Ian Botham has described the England coach Duncan Fletcher as "pig-headed" for overlooking Monty Panesar for the opening two Tests in the Ashes series.

The spinner, finally given his chance at the expense of Ashley Giles for the third Test in Perth, took 5 for 92 off 24 overs, making him the first English spinner to take five wickets at the WACA as England bowled out Australia for 244.

"I'm struggling to understand why he hasn't played in the first and second Tests," Botham said. "The selection for the first Test amazed me, then to be so pig-headed that you are going to stay with Giles in the second Test after you were hopelessly outplayed surprised me even more."