Stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith issued a sharp and unexpected response to Monty Panesar on the eve of the first Ashes Test in Perth. The Ashes rivalry gained early heat after Panesar suggested England should make Smith feel “guilty” for his involvement in the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal. Smith chose a different route, replying with humour rather than tension.
Panesar’s remarks targeted Smith’s role in the incident that led to his removal as Australia captain in 2018. England fans often revisit Sandpapergate to unsettle Smith, and Panesar’s comments revived that narrative heading into the opening Test.
Smith Uses Mastermind Clip to Counter Panesar
During Australia’s pre-match press conference, a journalist brought up Panesar’s comments within minutes. Smith then referred to Panesar’s viral 2019 appearance on BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind, where the spinner performed poorly in the general knowledge round.
Smith said: “I’m going to go off topic here. Who of you in the room has seen Mastermind, and Monty Panesar on that? Any of you?”
He continued: “Those of you that have will understand where I’m coming from. If you haven’t, do yourself a favour because it is pretty comical.”
Smith sharpened his point further, adding: “Anyone who believes that Athens is in Germany, Oliver Twist is a season of the year, and America is a city, it doesn’t really bother me those comments. That’s as far as I’ll go with that one.”
Ashes Hype Builds as Teams Stay Focused
The exchange arrived at an unusual moment, as both sides had avoided direct digs before the series. Local media, however, kept stirring the contest. The West Australian featured a bold headline calling England “arrogant Bazballing Poms.”
Despite the noise, England head coach Brendon McCullum stayed relaxed. In an interview with BBC Sport, he called the growing excitement “pretty cool.”
Smith is stepping in for regular captain Pat Cummins, who is unavailable due to a back injury. His remarks about Panesar became the most discussed part of the press briefing, just hours before one of the most anticipated Ashes series in recent years.
Panesar, who represented England in 50 Tests between 2006 and 2013, briefly expressed political ambitions in 2024 when he announced plans to run as a Workers Party of Britain candidate, though he withdrew within a week.
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