Ashes 2025-26 : Steve Smith counters Monty Panesar with a cutting jibe over sandpaper claims ahead of the Perth Test

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In a tense build-up to the Ashes 2025 series, Australian stand-in captain Steve Smith delivered a sharp retort to former England spinner Monty Panesar, who reignited the infamous sandpaper scandal controversy. As the much-anticipated first Test in Perth approaches, Smith’s firm stance underscores the resilience of Australia’s cricketing icon against mounting psychological tactics employed by rival teams, particularly England.

Smith, famously associated with the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, openly dismissed Panesar’s provocative comments in his pre-match press conference, showcasing his characteristic composure. The former Australian captain, who faced a 12-month suspension and leadership ban from Cricket Australia following the incident, made it clear he would not be baited into disputes rooted in the past.

In a masterstroke of wit and defiance, Smith referenced Panesar’s previous appearance on BBC’s Mastermind, humorously challenging anyone to equate the two. “Who have you in the room have seen Mastermind and Monty Panesar on that? Any of you? Yeah, well, those of you that have, you’ll understand where I’m coming from, and those of you haven’t, do yourself a favour because it’s pretty comical,” said Smith.​

This close-to-the-bone retort was furthered by his dismissive comments on Panesar’s assertions about the effectiveness of mental warfare. Smith’s reputation for mental toughness was exemplified during the 2019 Ashes, where he scored 774 runs despite facing relentless hostility from English spectators following his involvement in the sandpaper scandal. His resilience cemented his stature as one of cricket’s most formidable competitors.​

“Who in the room have seen Mastermind and Monty Panesar on that?" 😂😂😂

Australian captain Steve Smith has taken a hilarious swipe at former England spinner Monty Panesar in his press conference on the eve of the first Ashes Test in Perth.#cricket #theashes #mastermind

— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) November 20, 2025

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Panesar’s comments have once again thrust the sandpaper incident into the limelight, as he urged England to revisit the controversy as a strategic weapon. Panesar emphasized the potential of psychological tactics, suggesting that England’s team should make Smith feel guilty about his past actions, ultimately aiming to unsettle him during the series. He proposed tactics like joking about swing achieved without using sandpaper and provoking doubts about Smith’s integrity, a strategy reminiscent of the Australian teams of the Steve Waugh era.

However, Smith’s calm and calculated response indicates that he remains unfazed by such mental games. His history of handling pressure, coupled with his past acts of defiance, suggests he is prepared to counter any attempts at psychological warfare. In fact, Smith’s focus appears solely on cricketing excellence, dismissing distractions as irrelevant, as seen in his recent remarks about the team’s squad and the upcoming series.​

The media’s role in this high-stakes drama remains pivotal, with Panesar urging the UK media to amplify the psychological pressure on Smith. Yet, experience from previous encounters suggests Smith’s mental fortitude might neutralize these tactics, especially given his proven ability to excel under hostile conditions.

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