Australia captain Steve Smith has fired a surprisingly sharp response to former England spinner Monty Panesar, just as the build-up to the first Ashes Test in Perth took an unusual twist.
Panesar, who played his last Test during the 2013-14 Ashes, suggested England should make Smith “feel guilty” for his role in the infamous 2018 sandpaper scandal that led to his temporary removal as captain.
Smith, filling in for the injured Pat Cummins, didn’t hold back when asked about Panesar’s comments.
Panesar Urges England to Pressure Smith
Speaking to a betting website, Panesar proposed that England should confront Smith directly, saying they should make him question his ethics as captain. He urged:
“Say something like, ‘I don’t think it’s ethical that he’s the captain, I don’t think he played the game fairly.’
Really get into him and make him feel guilty about it… Use it as a way to help England.”
He added that the UK media should amplify the pressure, contrasting it with how Australian players would likely be treated under similar circumstances.
Smith Turns the Spotlight on Panesar’s TV Mishap
Smith, however, chose a more humorous route.
Rather than get drawn into the ethics debate, he reminded reporters of Panesar’s 2019 appearance on BBC’s Mastermind, where the spinner famously struggled with the general knowledge round.
“Anyone who believes Athens is in Germany, or Oliver Twist is a season of the year, or America is a city… doesn’t really bother me,” Smith said with a wry smile.
“Those of you who’ve seen it, you’ll understand where I’m coming from.
Those who haven’t—do yourself a favour and watch it. It’s pretty comical.”
Panesar’s Memorable Celebrity Mastermind Appearance
The Mastermind episode has become something of a legend.
Panesar himself later recounted his disastrous performance in a Daily Mail Sport piece, recalling moments like answering “Athens” for the 1972 Olympics stadium in Munich, “Oliver Twist” for Keats’ famous poem, and “America” for the city setting of Cheers.
Despite the embarrassment, Panesar said the episode highlighted his personality and became a memorable moment for viewers—an unintended legacy beyond cricket.
Mental Health Struggles and Public Reflection
Panesar, now 43, has also been open about his battles with mental health.
In the same year as his Mastermind appearance, he spoke about depression, struggles with alcohol, anxiety, and paranoia.
His candidness has added a deeper layer to the public’s view of the former spinner beyond his cricketing career.
Australia’s Final XI Set for Perth
Meanwhile, Smith confirmed Australia’s lineup for the first Test.
Opening batsman Jake Weatherald and seamer Brendan Doggett will make their debuts, while all-rounder Beau Webster misses out.
With the team set, the stage is now ready for what promises to be an entertaining Ashes opener in Perth.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn»TDPel Media News« »For Breaking News«| »For Featured«| »For Biographies« »For Lifestyle« »For Lottery« »For Fashion« »For Politics« »For Business« »For Entertainment« »For Wellness and Fitness« »For Religion« »For Science« »For Sports« »For Technology« »For Health« »For TDPelTV« »For World News« »TDPel Media News« »For TDPel Community« »TDPel Media News« »For Breaking News«| »For Featured«| »For Biographies« »For Lifestyle« »For Lottery« »For Fashion« »For Politics« »For Business« »For Entertainment« »For Wellness and Fitness« »For Religion« »For Science« »For Sports« »For Technology« »For Health« »For TDPelTV« »For World News« »TDPel Media News« »For TDPel Community«