Panesar prepares for Ashes with psychologist Wednesday, September 20 2006 13:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -
London:
England spinner Monty Panesar is seeing a psychologist in a bid to steel himself for the 'worst-case scenario' when it comes to the Ashes abuse he could face from fans Down Under.
After speaking to England's team psychologist Steve Bull, left-armer Panesar believes he can turn the hostility of the crowd into a positive when they bid to retain the urn, starting in November.
"I have spoken to Steve. He's one who can help with that sort of stuff," Panesar, 24, says.
"I'll try to use it as a positive energy. You expect the worst. I've prepared for the worst-case scenario but it could be even worse than that! Whatever happens from the crowd will happen."
"If you expect the worst and it's even worse than you imagined - well at least you are not going to be too surprised by it."
Panesar claims 32 wickets in his first 10 Test matches and is one of the stars of England's recent home Test series win over Pakistan.