Former England Spinner Fires Back at Australia Captain
In a tense prelude to the 2025-26 Ashes series, former England spinner Monty Panesar has responded to a provocative remark by Australia captain Steve Smith, highlighting the difference between their respective mistakes. Panesar, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, pointed out, “I made mine on a quiz show, he made his on a cricket field,” referencing Smith’s infamous involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
The exchange has added fuel to the ongoing Ashes rivalry and set the stage for a fiery contest in Perth.
The Origin of the Controversy
The spat began when Smith, during a pre-match press conference, ridiculed Panesar’s appearance on the BBC quiz show Celebrity Mastermind in 2019. On the show, Panesar struggled with general knowledge questions, prompting Smith to mockingly remark that anyone thinking “Athens is in Germany” or “Oliver Twist is a season” should not be taken seriously.
Panesar, who represented England in 50 Test matches between 2006 and 2013, countered Smith’s comments by emphasizing the severity of mistakes made on the cricket field compared to quiz shows.
Panesar on Sandpapergate: Calling Out Smith
The former England spinner did not shy away from addressing Smith’s role in the Sandpapergate scandal, where Australia’s leadership group devised a plan to tamper with the ball during the 2018 Test against South Africa. Panesar remarked,
“We’ve both made mistakes. I made mine on a quiz show, he made his on a cricket field.”
Smith, 36, has long been taunted by fans for the ball-tampering incident, and Panesar’s remarks highlight the contrast between a harmless television mishap and a cricketing scandal with global ramifications.
Mind Games Ahead of the First Test in Perth
With Pat Cummins sidelined due to a back injury, Steve Smith will lead Australia in the first Ashes Test, scheduled at Perth Stadium. Panesar hinted that Smith’s focus on his Mastermind appearance could actually play into England’s hands.
“It kind of feels like England are already in his head and I can rattle the Aussies from sitting on my sofa,” Panesar said, suggesting that England could leverage psychological tactics to unsettle the Australian captain.
This comment underscores the growing tension between the two sides, as England aims to gain an early advantage in the highly competitive Ashes series.
Panesar Surprised by Smith’s Comments
Panesar admitted being “surprised” at Smith’s choice to revisit the quiz show incident rather than giving a more measured response. Despite correctly answering six specialist questions on Sikhism during the Celebrity Mastermind episode, Panesar found Smith’s reaction unnecessarily provocative.
“I thought everyone thought it would have been just a bit more, ‘right it’s OK, yeah fine, I cheated, it’s not a problem, I’ve moved on.’ But because he’s done it in this way, I think he’s kind of opened up now for the England boys to really sort of go hard at him,” Panesar told BBC Radio 5 Live.
This remark hints at the psychological intensity expected in the opening stages of the Ashes.
Panesar’s Ashes Legacy
Monty Panesar, who played county cricket for Sussex, Essex, and Northamptonshire, was a key figure in England’s 2009 Ashes triumph. Known for his left-arm spin and aggressive bowling style, Panesar remains a respected voice in cricket, even after retiring from international play in 2013.
Off the field, Panesar briefly considered a political career, announcing his candidacy for the Workers Party of Britain in 2024 before withdrawing a week later. His comments about Smith now show he remains deeply engaged with the sport and its ongoing narratives.
Looking Ahead: Ashes 2025-26
The 2025-26 Ashes series, running from 21 November 2025 to 7 January 2026, promises high drama both on and off the pitch. Fans can follow:
- Live commentary and in-play clips on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website
- Ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
- Daily analysis, features, and updates on the BBC Sport app
As England and Australia prepare for their first clash in Perth, the psychological battles between players like Panesar and Smith could prove just as pivotal as runs and wickets.
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