London, Dec. 17 : England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar's career is plunging towards crisis point following another poor showing for his team in the First Test against India in Chennai, the Sun reports.

Panesar failed to take a wicket in 27 overs in India's second innings despite operating on a pitch that was tailor-made for him. He was attacked for his performance by a string of cricket legends, including Ian Botham, Geoff Boycott and Shane Warne.

Experts believe that his bowling has gone backwards during the past year and he cannot think on his feet, decide what pace to bowl or even set his own field. He does not appear to know the laws, either, judging by some of his leg before wicket appeals.

It was the third time in the past five months that Panesar has been unable to push England towards victory on wearing pitches, following two failures against South Africa in the summer.

His aggregate figures in the fourth innings of the Tests against South Africa at Lord's and Edgbaston and India in Chennai are 2-312 from 120 overs.

Team coach Peter Moores said: "I have sympathy for Monty because he hasn't had a competitive game for three months. I don't think Monty has gone backwards. He takes his wickets at 32 runs apiece in Test cricket, which compares favourably with a lot of spinners.

"Monty is still young in the game. People talk a lot about Monty changing his pace, but that takes time and confidence," he added. (ANI)