England cricket legend Monty Panesar has let slip that the famous Barmy Army supporters' group is preparing to unleash a brand new song aimed at former Australia coach Darren Lehmann during the second Ashes Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.
The Spark: 'Pork Chops' and Pre-Ashes Needling
This musical retaliation comes directly on the heels of Lehmann's recent comments, where he branded England fans who jeered Steve Smith over the 2018 sandpaper-gate scandal as 'pork chops'. The former coach, who was in charge of the Australian team during the controversial incident but was cleared of wrongdoing, expressed his disappointment in the taunts directed at Smith.
Lehmann stated the abuse was 'daily' and 'unbelievable', adding, 'It is only the ones that drink too much and carry on like pork chops.' He defended Smith's conduct since the scandal and suggested the Barmy Army should know better.
The war of words was ignited before the series began, when Panesar himself urged England to target Smith psychologically, to 'make him feel guilty' about sandpaper-gate. Smith, who served a ban and lost the captaincy, hit back with a pointed sledge mocking Panesar's infamous 2019 appearance on BBC's Mastermind, where the spinner scored just one point.
Banter vs Abuse: Drawing the Line in the Ashes
In the aftermath of this explosive exchange, Panesar was questioned on the Best of ABC Sport Podcast about understanding where good-natured banter ends and abusive behaviour begins. He firmly asserted that he and the Barmy Army recognise that line.
'Absolutely,' Panesar said. 'You want it to be banter. It’s Ashes stuff and you don’t want to be going to abusive behaviour where you’re actually hurting someone.' He acknowledged the deep sensitivity of the sandpaper-gate incident, which hurt families and cost Cricket Australia sponsors.
Panesar emphasised that the Barmy Army operates under a strict code of conduct, and members deemed to be crossing into abusive territory are ejected. He then revealed the group's planned musical riposte: 'I remember Darren talking about it, and I think the Barmy Army have a song ready for him in Brisbane. I think they’re not going to let him go either.'
Secrets, Songs, and Skin-Getting
When pressed for the lyrics of the forthcoming chant, Panesar played coy, stating, 'I’ve got to keep that secret.' However, he expressed hope that Lehmann would take it in the spirit of Ashes rivalry. 'I hope he takes it as banter and doesn’t take it too personally. If he feels it’s a bit too much, I’m sure the Barmy Army will stop it.'
Panesar also suggested that the focused attention from England fans and players may have already affected Steve Smith's performance in the first Test at Perth. He noted Smith's uncharacteristically scratchy first innings of 17 runs from 49 balls, with a high percentage of plays and misses. 'Maybe the Barmy Army feel like they’ve got underneath his skin,' Panesar mused, highlighting it as a potential key to England's Ashes hopes.
Reflecting on Smith's Mastermind-related sledge, Panesar concluded with a final dig of his own, quipping that it 'makes me feel great' that the Australian star was researching the quiz show on the eve of a Test match. 'I can sit on my couch and rattle the Aussies, which is great fun,' he said.
Despite the intense psychological warfare and the Barmy Army's vocal efforts in Perth, Smith ultimately guided Australia to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory, setting the stage for a heated continuation of the series—and the sledging—at The Gabba.
