Many cricket lovers will remember former England Test player Monty Panesar for his buoyant celebrations. 

But as his international career began to peter out by 2010, the spin bowler began to make headlines for the wrong reasons including an infamous altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Essex. 

Panesar has since opened up about the impact on his wellbeing and the importance of raising awareness after he had appeared to spiral out of control beyond the playing field. 

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Today, Panesar will be taking part in an interactive cricket event at Sixes Social in the Westgate in partnership Restore, a charity he works for which supports people in Oxfordshire.

Ahead of the event, Panesar told us about his own journey following his retirement from Test cricket as he has not been on medication for seven years. 

"I now feel in a really good place but every day is not going to be sunshine, some days are raining and some days are like a hurricane," the 42-year-old said. 

"I think there is now a narrative where people understand every day can't be sunny.

"A lot of people have really struggled with their mental health since Covid. If people are struggling there are ways to reach out for help."

Panesar has followed on from high-profile former England cricketers such as Marcus Trescothick and Jonathan Trott when opening up about mental health challenges associated with being a professional player in the public eye. 

But it is not just athletes and those in the media spotlight who can feel vulnerable. 

"Some other cricketers have talked about it [mental health] and it's a case of connecting with people before things get worse," Panesar explained. 

READ MORE: England legend Monty Panesar to host Oxford mental health event

"It can also be people in executive roles who struggle. It's a common thing. Some people find it hard to talk about it and do not feel like they can function like they should.

"Restore is there if people feel confused or as if life is not as it should be."

Monty Panesar training for England's cricket team Monty Panesar training for England's cricket team (Image: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire) The athlete also told us about his optimism around how cricket in England is becoming more inclusive after Azeem Rafiq exposed deep-rooted problems with racism at his former county club Yorkshire having opened up from 2020 onwards.

Panesar, a Sikh born in Luton to Indian parents, said: "I think it can sometimes be quite difficult to understand how to encourage everyone in the game but there have been improvements and training has been provided to create more opportunities and accessibility to everyone.

"The ECB (English Cricket Board) has put on events like Diwali at Lord's which never used to happen at all. Something like that would never be associated with Lord's. 

"Creating designated areas for Halal food, vegetarian-only areas and alcohol free zones have all been introduced which we never saw before." 

Monty Panesar Monty Panesar (Image: Anthony Devlin/PA) Panesar, who played cricket against Oxford University when he was at Loughborough as a rising star, was never renowned for his batting skills but believes he could have flourished under current England head coach Brendon McCullum. 

"I think I would have had a few more sixes and bowled with more freedom under him," Panesar said. 

"I can see the positives of what England are doing but there is the danger of just entertaining rather than playing traditional cricket.

"I do not want them to lose in New Zealand in more traditional English conditions by just playing Bazball and being bowled out in 30 overs like they were in Pakistan." 

Panesar continues to play cricket locally for Great Witchingham in Norfolk as well as leagues around the world as he strives to keep himself healthy both physically and mentally. 

The former Essex and Sussex player recalled highlights from his England career including winning in India under the captaincy of Sir Alastair Cook in 2012 and helping to save the first Test of the Ashes series at Cardiff in 2009 with James Anderson with the bat. 

Panesar said: "It was brilliant to play for England and I really enjoyed it." 

Commenting on blocking out 69 balls with Anderson against Australia as a snarling Ricky Ponting grew more and more visibly frustrated, Panesar said: "You just focus on your own game in that moment.

"You stick to your method and take each ball as it comes. We got closer to our goal by just taking one step at a time and getting to that goal becomes closer than you think." 

Panesar will be taking part in Sixes Social and hosting a Q&A session at the Westgate event which takes place at 7pm tonight. Tickets in advance cost £15  with a £10 discount for families of four, and the event is open to all ages. 

There will be a raffle with prizes and interactive cricket games for all abilities.

Visit restore.org.uk/get-involved/monty-sixes for more information. 

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