Andrew Strauss warned Monty Panesar's critics it is unwise to write off the England spinner for the Ashes.

England are mulling over the possibility of playing a second spinner alongside Graeme Swann when the series against Australia opens in Cardiff on July 8.

Concerns exist over Panesar's form with the 27-year-old having taken just six first-class wickets this season at an average of 90 runs apiece.

Shane Warne has proved his most outspoken critic, advising England to pick the inexperienced Adil Rashid if they do opt for two spinners.

But Strauss hopes Panesar will emerge from a troubled period in next week's warm-up match against Warwickshire and insists his record of 125 wickets in 38 Tests at an average of 34 runs compares with some of the greats.

Tough patch

"You look at Monty's record for England and it's exceptional. It's right up there with some of the best spinners to have played the game," he said.

"He's gone through a bit of a tough patch recently but we've all been through it - I have myself and other people have. You come out of it much better for the experience.

"Hopefully other members of the squad will give him the confidence to go out against Warwickshire, take a bagful and become an important member of the England side again.

"We all know what his capabilities are. The people who have been writing him off are unwise - he's got a hell of a lot more to offer for England coming up in the future."

Warne's concerns over Panesar centre on his lack of variety, claiming he has failed to improve since making his debut three years ago.

Variations

Sessions with Mushtaq Ahmed, England's new spin-bowling coach, have focused on adding greater guile to his delivery but Strauss has stressed the importance of remembering where his strengths lie.

"Monty has been working on variations but the reality is that he has taken 99% of his wickets bowling a very good left arm spinner that turns and has decent pace on it," he said.

"That's his default and he shouldn't stray too far from it. It's like me trying to bat like Brian Lara - it won't work.

"It's important that he just does what he does well and if he does that he's going to be a handful.

"I spoken to Monty and he's been in contact with Mushtaq Ahmed. When you go through a bit of a rough patch you question what you are doing.

"I've got a lot of hope that he will come through and be an exceptional talent."

Good pace

Key to England's chances of reclaiming the Ashes they surrendered in pitiful style two years ago is the fitness of Andrew Flintoff.

The Lancashire all-rounder underwent knee surgery two months ago and Strauss expects he will be ready to face Australia.

"Andrew seems very fit and is bowling at a good pace. It's obviously early in his comeback but we've got to assume he'll be fit for the five Test matches," he said.

"It's a massive plus for us if he is. He adds balance to our side and we know the Aussies don't like facing him.

"We're all hopeful that after a long period of bad luck he has the rub of the green for a while and produces a really good Ashes series. It will be fantastic to have him back."