Since the article outlining the statistical reasons why Panesar should already be playing against Australia, never mind be picked for the Melbourne test, nothing has changed to suggest that he will get the nod in for the next test in Perth.

England have snatched defeat from a nailed on draw. Giles still looks unthreatening with the ball and on a pitch offering spin to Shane Warne and even Kevin Pietersen, but he has provided adequate support with the bat in one innings.

In fact his position in the side looks increasingly more likely for Perth. Incredible when you consider he dropped Ricky Ponting which went on to cost England 107 runs and potentially the chance to win the game. Not to mention that he now seems to be running up a non existent incline in the field, and has taken only 2 wickets in 4 innings.

If however, as seems likely, England go on to draw this game Fletcher will see enough reason to include Giles once again for the test at the WACA. If the rumours of Flintoff’s injury are true this will no doubt that mean that Giles will be the first man on the team sheet – If he is not already?

If the WACA pitch is consistent with what we have seen so far it will have more runs than a champion jockey. England’s top order seems to have found form, and learnt how to adapt to the pace (or lack of)in the wickets, and England’s seamers are feeling their way into the series. If England are to win this series surely Panesar’s ability to turn the ball, bowl long spells, economy rate and most crucially of all take wickets, can unlock the door to success for England.

As Duncan Fletcher baricades himself in from the media and takes on a seige mentality, in seems Panesar and Chris Read may as well go and take in the sites. They don’t seem destined to play any cricket, especially if what Fletcher has said about the selection process is anything to go by:

“Andrew and I have the final say,” he confirmed, adding that the mysterious selection committee didn’t include David Graveney or any of the home selectors, but instead consisted of a panel of senior players - Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood and Jones - who are consulted prior to each Test.