Buchanan warns Monty of crowd trouble, CA urges restraint

Sydney, Aug 20 (UNI) John Buchanan has joined Ricky Ponting in warning Monty Panesar of a torrid time with the spectators during the Ashes this year but Cricket Australia (CA) has warned the crowds against going over-board, saying that it would take a zero-tolerance approach towards any kind of racial abuse.

''As far as crowds go, people could end up warming to him or it could go the other way,'' Buchanan said told the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

''He can bowl but not really bat or field. That's probably a bit harsh, but he's not as proficient at the other two disciplines. I think the Australian crowds, as they always do, will test a new player, especially one who looks and behaves a little bit differently,'' he added, echoing a similar warning by Pointing a few weeks ago.

Buchanan feels that the 24-year-old might be targeted by the spectators the way Phil Tufnell used to be during his days with the England team. Though Monty has done well with the ball but the left-armer has struggled with the bat and has made comical errors while fielding.

The Aussie coach says Monty's weaknesses could be come in for some ridicule by the hostile fans.

''He'll be tested out here from outside the fence, by the spectators and by the team in the middle. I doubt he would expect anything else. If he gets picked to play in a Test match, we'll have to see how people respond to him and how he responds to them,'' Buchanan said.

However, CA has let out a warning of its own to the spectators asking them to be restrained in their behaviour. The board has asserted that no racial abuse would be tolerated especially after the crowd behaviour in Australia came in for an ICC inquiry following complaints of racism by the South Africans.

''Last year, it was well documented the South African players lodged complaints and there were three or four specific incidents over the summer that were not acceptable,'' CA communications manager Peter Young was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

''Spectators need to understand that the anti-racism obligations apply to them as well. If you commit any of these offences you can be ejected, banned from re-entry and possibly charged,'' he added.

Buchanan also ureged the spectators to refrain from racially abusing the English players during the big series.

''We've had enough incidents of (racism) around the world.

Hopefully that sort of thing won't occur,'' Buchanan said.

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