Monty Panesar blames himself for England's second Test defeat

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Monty Panesar today revealed he blamed himself for England's defeat by Pakistan in Abu Dhabi despite taking seven wickets on his Test comeback.

England's failure to reach a fourth-innings target of 145, as they subsided to 72 all out, means that the series is now beyond them as they approach the final Test of the three-match contest, which starts here on Friday.

Panesar's six for 62 in Pakistan's second innings was an outstanding return to international cricket for the left-arm spinner, whose previous Test was against Australia in Cardiff in July 2009. But remarkably, Panesar still believes he was partly culpable for England's loss.

"Maybe I let the team down in the first innings, where I didn't take wickets at a quick enough rate," said the Sussex player. "Graeme Swann almost carried me, helping me out and making sure I felt part of the team.

"In the first innings, I took one wicket in 33 overs. I need to pick up wickets at a quicker rate, and that is something I want to develop and improve, but playing in the subcontinent is exciting.

"We have Tests in Sri Lanka and India coming up later this year as well, and the opportunity for the team to play two spinners is exciting for me. I enjoy playing under the leadership of Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower.

"As a team, we have to adapt to the changes we experience, but stay tight as a squad and enjoy the challenges that will come in 2012 and beyond.

"I want to keep learning and keep growing. I want to experience more challenges of international cricket to test my character and I think that will help me develop further as a player and as a person as well."

England played three seam bowlers and a single spinner, Swann, during the 10-wicket defeat in the First Test in Dubai, but it would be harsh on Panesar were he to miss out again this week after his stellar performance.

He added: "We want to prove we can do well here in the United Arab Emirates and we're determined to put on a good show in the Third Test."