Stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith delivered an unexpected jibe at former England spinner Monty Panesar on the eve of the first Ashes Test in Perth. Panesar had suggested England should make Smith feel “guilty” for his role in the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal, which led to Smith’s year-long ban and removal as captain.
Panesar’s comments spark response
The remarks were raised within minutes of Smith’s pre-match press conference in what seemed like a planned exchange. Panesar had said England should apply pressure by using the 2018 incident as a mental tactic. The scandal remains a common taunt used by English fans against Smith, now 36.
Smith recalls Mastermind episode
Smith dismissed the criticism by referencing Panesar’s appearance on Celebrity Mastermind in 2019, where the former spinner struggled in the general knowledge round. He joked about Panesar’s incorrect answers, including identifying Athens as being in Germany and describing Oliver Twist as a season of the year. Smith said the clip was “pretty comical” and added the comments did not bother him.
Series hype begins to intensify
The Ashes begin on Friday and anticipation has been steadily rising. Both teams had avoided verbal sparring until Smith’s remark. Local media in Western Australia have taken a different tone, with one newspaper labelling England the “arrogant Bazballing Poms” on its front page. England coach Brendon McCullum said the growing hype around the series was “pretty cool”.
Cummins ruled out of opening Test
Smith is leading Australia in place of regular captain Pat Cummins, who misses the opener with a back injury. The timing of Smith’s dig at Panesar, just a day before such a significant Test series starts, was an unusual twist in the build-up.
Panesar’s recent public profile
Panesar, who played 50 Tests between 2006 and 2013, briefly announced plans last year to stand in the UK general election as a Workers Party candidate before withdrawing a week later.
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