Former England cricket player Monty Panesar has addressed remarks made by Australia’s captain Steve Smith ahead of the Ashes series. Panesar and Smith engaged in a verbal exchange before the First Test in Perth, where England suffered a swift defeat in just two days.
The England team led by Ben Stokes faced an eight-wicket loss at the Optus Stadium and has now traveled to Brisbane for the Second Test at The Gabba. Prior to the series opener, Panesar suggested that England should use the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 to unsettle Australia and gain an advantage.
In response, Smith brought up Panesar’s appearance on BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind in 2019 during a press conference. Smith humorously referenced some of Panesar’s quiz answers and remarked on their entertainment value.
Panesar has now reacted to Smith’s comments, expressing surprise at Smith’s knowledge of his quiz responses. Panesar found amusement in being able to provoke the Australians even from a distance. He also mentioned the potential psychological impact of revisiting the sandpaper incident and how it could affect the ongoing series.
Reflecting on Smith’s performance in the First Test, Panesar noted the pressure Smith seemed to be under while batting. He acknowledged Smith’s stature as a great player and captain but suggested that England could capitalize on any mental advantage gained from the situation.
In an interview with BOYLE Sports, Panesar shared his insights on the ongoing banter between him and Smith. He highlighted the importance of mental strategies in cricket and how the England team could leverage such dynamics to their advantage in the upcoming matches.
The Ashes series commenced on November 21, with live coverage available on TNT Sports via discovery+ or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel for fans to follow the England-Australia rivalry. For more updates on the Ashes, enthusiasts can subscribe to the newsletter The Cricket Drop.
Please note that Reach and its affiliated entities use cookies and other identifiers to enhance user experience, analyze site usage, and deliver personalized ads. You can manage your data preferences by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” option at the bottom of the webpage. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as outlined in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.