That compares with Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria's 11 victims at 49 apiece. It is a long time since an England spinner has so comprehensively out-performed a rival from the sub-continent.

Even England coach Duncan Fletcher is now conceding how well Panesar has bowled. He has added hugely to England's versatility which will only be re-doubled with all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's long-awaited return.

Pakistan, however, may yet spring a final surprise at The Oval, especially if they opt to gamble on Rana and Asif. And so what if it backfires? The series has already been lost. And it should at least be intriguing to watch.

Teams:

England (probable) - Andrew Strauss (captain), Marcus Trescothick, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Chris Read, Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar, Sajid Mahmood.

Pakistan (possible) Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq (captain), Faisal Iqbal, Kamran Akmal, Danish Kaneria, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif.