Panesar consults psychologist to get ready for Ashes abuse

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, The Sun reported on Tuesday.

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, said, quoted by The Sun.

"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 its even worse than you imagined - well at least you are not going to be too surprised by it."

Panesar claimed 32 wickets in his first 10 Test matches and was one of the stars of England's recent home Test series win over Pakistan.