Australian cricket captain Steve Smith has launched a remarkable broadside against former England spinner Monty Panesar, just hours before the start of the highly anticipated Ashes series.
Unlikely Target in Ashes Mind Games
The verbal volley came in response to Panesar's suggestion that English fans and media should target Smith over his involvement in the 2018 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal. Rather than directly addressing the controversy, Smith took an unexpected approach by discrediting Panesar's opinion entirely.
Temporarily leading the Australian side for the Ashes campaign, Smith referenced what he described as Panesar's 'gaffe-ridden' appearance on Celebrity Mastermind in 2019. The Australian batsman specifically highlighted Panesar's incorrect answers during the quiz show, including mistakenly identifying Athens as being in Germany and referring to America as a city.
Smith Dismisses Criticism While Revealing Team
Despite his detailed recollection of Panesar's television mishaps, Smith insisted that the former spinner's comments did not bother him personally. The unusual counter-attack provided a dramatic backdrop to the traditional pre-Ashes tensions between the historic rivals.
Alongside the verbal sparring, Smith confirmed Australia's team for the first Test, revealing that Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald would make their debuts in the prestigious series. The lineup also features the return of Marnus Labuschagne at number three, bolstering Australia's batting strength.
Setting the Stage for Ashes Battle
The exchange adds another layer of intrigue to cricket's oldest rivalry as both teams prepare for the opening Test. Smith's decision to target Panesar's quiz show performance rather than engage with the ball-tampering comments marks an unusual departure from typical pre-Ashes psychological warfare.
With the team now confirmed and the mind games underway, all eyes turn to the first ball of what promises to be another compelling chapter in Ashes history. The series begins amid heightened anticipation, with Smith's leadership and Australia's new debutants facing immediate scrutiny.
