Sydney, Sept. 3: Australia’s batsmen say they are planning to dominate English spin sensation Monty Panesar from the outset of this year’s Ashes series.

England coach Duncan Fletcher called Panesar the best finger spinner in the world after the left-armer claimed 32 wickets in his first 10 Test matches and was one of the stars of England’s recent home Test series win over Pakistan.

Panesar, the first Sikh to play Test cricket for England, is generating considerable interest ahead of the November start of the Ashes and Australia’s cricketers had enough respect to single him out in their pre-series talks.

The 24-year-old looms as one of England’s trump cards as they prepare to defend the Ashes they seized off Australia in last year’s unforgettable series in England. "He’s a terrific young bowler, a terrific young character and has an obvious passion for the game and he’ll add a real flavour and touch to this series," Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist said on Sunday.

"Like any new spinner we haven’t seen before, we’ll try to get on top of him before he gets on top of us but a lot of that will be dictated by the conditions and the match scenario."

Simon Katich, who is trying to bat his way back into the Australian Test team after being axed after the first Test against West Indies almost a year ago, rates Panesar highly.