Monty Panesar [Images], the first Sikh to play cricket for England [Images], has said he never imagined that his first Test wicket would be master batsman Sachin Tendulkar [Images].

"It (getting Tendulkar out) was beyond my imagination - I never dreamed of taking his wicket as my first Test wicket," the spinner said.

The Northamptonshire left-armer was drafted into the touring side to India after Ashley Giles was unable to make the trip due to injury.

"Playing against the Indians and interacting with them was a good learning experience," Panesar said.

"Whenever you get the chance it is good to talk to them and learn something from them," he told 'The Independent'.

The Indian crowds took Panesar to their hearts, which took him by surprise.

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"It was a pleasant surprise. Obviously, they follow cricket like a religion. It's great to visit somewhere that cricket is followed so passionately," he said.

The spinner, who got some flak over his fielding, did not think too much about the dropped catch of Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images] on the final day of the Mumbai Test.

"It was a misjudgment from me - it was all forgotten when I took the second catch moments later," the 24-year-old said.

Despite commendable performances in the three-match series, which the under-strength England side drew 1-1, Panesar has not taken his spot in the team for the first Test against Sri Lanka [Images] at Lord's for granted.

"Well, that (playing at Lord's) depends on three factors: first, how I am bowling; second, the balance of the team; and third, the condition of the pitch as in, will it be spin-friendly?" Panesar said.