Stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith stunned reporters with an unexpected jab at former England spinner Monty Panesar on the eve of the first Ashes Test in Perth. The strange exchange came just hours before one of the most highly anticipated Ashes series in recent years.

Panesar, who represented England in 50 Test matches between 2006 and 2013, recently suggested that England players should put psychological pressure on Smith by reminding him of his role in the infamous 2018 Sandpapergate scandal. Smith, who was stripped of the Australian captaincy at the time, has continued to face taunts from opposition fans over the incident.

During Thursday’s pre-match press conference at Perth Stadium, a journalist quickly raised Panesar’s comments—an interaction that appeared carefully orchestrated. Within the first two minutes, Smith seized the moment to fire back with an unexpected swipe referencing Panesar’s infamous appearance on the BBC quiz show Mastermind.

“I’m going to go off topic here,” Smith said, before asking the room if anyone had seen Panesar’s Mastermind episode, in which the former spinner managed only one correct answer. “Anyone who thinks Athens is in Germany, Oliver Twist is a season of the year, and America is a city… well, those comments don’t bother me. That’s all I’ll say.”

The remark drew laughter among some reporters and ensured Smith’s comments became the headline moment of the 17-minute media session.

Ashes Build-Up Intensifies

Prior to Smith’s unexpected dig, both England and Australia had maintained a relatively calm tone heading into the series. However, local Australian media had already begun stoking rivalry. The West Australian newspaper sparked controversy with a bold front-page headline branding the tourists as “arrogant Bazballing Poms.”

England head coach Brendon McCullum, in an exclusive conversation with BBC Sport, brushed off the noise, saying the heightened interest and hype surrounding the Ashes is “pretty cool” and that the team is fully focused on the cricket.

Smith Filling in for Injured Pat Cummins

Smith is stepping in as captain for regular skipper Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out of the first Test due to a back injury. Despite the responsibility and the pressure surrounding the opening match, Smith’s decision to comment on Panesar—who retired from professional cricket years ago—was viewed as an unusual moment during an otherwise routine media appearance.

Panesar’s Recent Public Life

In 2024, Panesar briefly made headlines in the UK after announcing his intention to run as a parliamentary candidate for the Workers Party of Britain in the general election. However, he withdrew his candidacy just a week later, a move that drew widespread attention across British media.

As the Ashes finally gets underway, Smith’s off-beat remarks have added a layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a gripping series.