Crowd abuse in Australia not a worry, ECB chief selector tells Mo

London, Oct 4 (UNI) While Monty Panesar continues his sessions with a psychologist to prepare for a hostile reception from spectators during the Ashes, England chairman of selectors David Graveney feels the issue is being blown out of proportion and asked the left-armer to keep performing well and not let the expected crowd abuse get to him.

''I think people are blowing it out of proportion. He did after all make his debut in India as the first Sikh ever to play for England and I can't imagine that passed off without some comments,'' Graveney told the 'BBC Sport'.

''Any sportsmen know that when they get close crowds -- particularly those supporting the opposition -- that goes with the territory. All you can do is concentrate on your performances and carry on from there,'' he added as he called on Monty to remain calm.

Graveney's views were echoed by England's former football captain Terry Butcher, who is now the coach of a Sydney based club. Butcher said the Aussie spectators were sporting and respected Monty's acheivements since his debut against India.

''They are talking a lot about Monty Panesar out here. They really rate him. The Australians really respect Panesar for what he does and what he's done,'' he said.

He criticised the British media of reading too much into the crowd abuse warnings given by various former Australian players and current captain Ricky Ponting.

''It came over badly out here that the English press thought Panesar was going to get a very hard time from the crowds and everyone else. The Australians respect good cricketers and good players,'' he asserted.

Butcher said Monty need not worry about the reception as he is in for a pleasent surprise when he comes Down Under with the England team to defend the famous urn.

''I think he will be surprised by the reaction he gets. Yes, there will be a bit of stick and a bit of sledging flying about. I certainly don't think there will be any level of animosity,'' he promised.

UNI XC PM SHB DS1225