Sri Lanka club stint for Panesar

England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar is set to play club cricket in Sri Lanka this winter ahead of the two-Test series against India in December.

Panesar, 26, has taken 114 wickets in 33 Tests since his debut in India in March 2006, but some concerns have been raised that his progress has stalled.

"He wants to learn through experience," explained England coach Peter Moores.

"Details have to be finalised to make sure they're happy to have him and he gets the right position."

Panesar lost his place in the England one-day international side last winter, and it is believed he will play in Sri Lanka a month prior going to India, during which time England play seven ODIs against India.

England's first Test against India begins in Ahmedabad on 11 December, with the second in Mumbai on 19 December, with the squad then heading to the Caribbean for their four-Test series against West Indies.

Panesar, who has played his entire county career so far for Northants, was not at his best during this summer's home series defeat to South Africa - despite taking 13 wickets in four games at an average of 31.69.

Australia legend Shane Warne recently told the Mail on Sunday newspaper that Panesar would be "taken apart" in next summer's Ashes series against Australia unless he added more variation to his bowling.

But Moores believes a prolonged period in the subcontinent will aid the spinner's development.

"Hopefully, we'll get it all tied down," Moores added.

"He's been there before and knows the conditions are tough.

"They are very good players of spin in Sri Lanka and he will learn a lot. It will also help him get ready for the Test matches because it's such a short series."

Meanwhile, former Pakistan bowler Mushtaq Ahmed has been approached by Moores to work with England's spinners, while his compatriot Waqar Younis will tour India with England's academy team.

"Mushy is passionate at some stage to coach and pass on the information he's gained over the last 20 years," said Moores.

"No formal approach has been made, though I've spoken to him about it.

"There are certain people who can be helped to develop a certain clarity of thought. Mushy has that ability."

Moores added: "Waqar will work with the Lions. He'll be involved in some work in the performance programme. If that goes well, we'll use him again. It's more consultancy-based coaching."