Panesar ready for Ashes test

Monty Panesar has shrugged off Ricky Ponting's warning that he will be targeted by Australia's batsmen during this winter's Ashes series.

Left-arm spinner Panesar has established himself as an England regular after starring in the series against Pakistan, and his performances have been noted by Australia captain Ponting.

"Ponting said their batsmen would look to dominate me but that's no surprise," Panesar told the Daily Mail. "Playing against Australia would be a new learning curve for me. The batsmen are coming down the pitch so what do I do now? How do I combat this? It will help me develop as a player technically and mentally. That isn't a frightening prospect, it excites me."

The 24-year-old is similarly unconcerned by Ponting's warning about the reception he can expect from the fans Down Under.

"At the start of this summer I got a mixed reaction from English crowds - some people were laughing at me," he added.

"If something like that happens in Australia, I'm sure I can cope because I already know how it feels."