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Cricket

Hero Panesar confident England can seal thrilling victory

25/05/2008

Monty Panesar is confident England can complete a stunning comeback tomorrow and win the second Test against New Zealand.

Panesar continued his sparkling form at Old Trafford with career best figures of 6-37 to skittle out the Kiwis for 144.

England need 218 runs to win after closing on 76-1 at stumps, with Alastair Cook the only wicket to fall.

Panesar, 26, said he is hopeful England can reach their total despite the record fourth-innings chase at Old Trafford being 231.

"They set us a good platform, we know it's a tough pitch but we've got a strong batting line-up and hopefully we can knock the runs off," Panesar said.

"The game's moved forward a lot. The variation in the pitch was enough to get some wickets, some were turning some were sliding.

"The way the ball spins out of the rough and the uneven bounce really helps me."

New Zealand seamer Iain O'Brien took 3-49 to restrict England to 202 in their first innings.

O'Brien said he was confident the tourists could bowl out England again in similar fashion.

"There is a good mood in the dressing room," O'Brien said.

"Maybe England are back in the match but with the pitch doing quite a bit they have plenty of runs to get yet.

"We will be looking to Dan [Vettori] to lead the attack, with the state of the pitch as it is. But we have a chance to get them from both ends so there is no reason why we can't all chip in."