Michael Holding says Monty Panesar handled the pressure in Perth well.
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Michael Holding told Sky Sports he was relieved that Monty Panesar was able to deliver a performance worthy of the expectation level on the opening day of the third Ashes Test in Perth.
With England 2-0 down in the series Duncan Fletcher finally brought in Panesar and Mahmood in place of Ashley Giles and James Anderson.
And Panesar, making his Ashes debut finished with 5-92 as England skittled Australia out for just 244 in their first innings.
The 24-year-old began his haul by clean bowling Justin Langer for 37 before adding Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Brett Lee to his list of victims, leading Holding to look on in admiration.
"He hasn't done badly has he," Holding said.
"I would have hated to have been in his shoes going into this Test match because with all the talk about him missing the first two games, so much was expected of him walking out onto the field today.
"I don't know what would have become of Panesar if he hadn't performed here that could have been the end of him.
"Fortunately for England he produced the goods."
Panesar was ably supported by Steve Harmison, making a welcome return to form taking 4-48, including the prize wicket of Ricky Ponting for two.
The Durham paceman also claimed the wickets of Michael Clarke, Stuart Clark and Glenn McGrath to leave Mike Hussey stranded on 74.
England were 51-2 at stumps with Alastair Cook the first man out for 15, becoming McGrath's 552nd Test victim, and Ian Ball falling to second-ball duck off the bowling of Brett Lee.
