Australian cricket captain Steve Smith took a light-hearted jab at former England spinner Monty Panesar during a press conference leading up to the first Ashes Test in Perth. Smith referred humorously to Panesar’s infamous appearance on the British game show ‘Mastermind,’ which had become a topic of conversation after Panesar critiqued Smith’s captaincy and suggested the England team should target him over the Sandpaper scandal.
In response to the ongoing banter, Smith reflected on Panesar’s quiz show performance, pointing out the embarrassing blunders he made, including claiming that Athens is in Germany and that “Oliver Twist” is a season. “Anyone that believes that doesn’t really bother me those comments,” Smith said playfully, underscoring his confidence ahead of the first Test.
Panesar, who has been vocal about the need for the England team to make Smith feel guilty for his past transgressions, had urged them to apply psychological pressure on the Australian captain. He expressed that the media should amplify this aspect to tilt the competitive edge in England’s favor.
Despite acknowledging his own shortcomings in general knowledge on ‘Mastermind,’ Panesar criticized Smith for deflecting attention from the Sandpaper saga, emphasizing the significance of integrity in the sport. He provocatively questioned whether Smith could face himself in the mirror, given his involvement in what he called “the worst example of Australian cheating in history.”
Moreover, Panesar suggested that Smith’s comments might emerge as a liability during the Ashes, hinting at the potential for the Barmy Army to make his life difficult with chants targeting his past. He anticipated that this could add to the pressure Smith faces, especially if he struggles to perform under scrutiny in the forthcoming matches.
As the Ashes series approaches, the tension is palpable, with both sides preparing for what is expected to be a fiercely competitive battle. The humorous exchanges and sharp criticisms set the stage for an intriguing series filled with not only intense cricket but also engaging off-field narratives. The match-up promises to captivate fans, showcasing the spirited rivalry that the Ashes are renowned for.