Ashes 2025: Monty Panesar’s Sandpapergate Comments Spark Fiery Steve Smith Retort

The 2025 Ashes series in Perth is already witnessing fireworks before a ball has been bowled. Former England spinner Monty Panesar publicly urged fans and media to target Australian captain Steve Smith over the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal. Smith responded with a cutting retort, referencing Panesar’s infamous appearance on a celebrity quiz show.

This exchange sets a tense and psychological backdrop for the first Test. According to Fox Sports, Panesar’s comments were aimed at unsettling the Australian skipper, a tactic often employed in the high-stakes rivalry.

Panesar Calls for Psychological Warfare

Monty Panesar did not hold back in his assessment. He explicitly called for the British media to “make Steve Smith feel guilty” about his past role in the ball-tampering incident. Panesar argued this was a legitimate tactic to gain a mental edge.

He suggested that the Australian media would not hesitate to use a similar strategy against English players. His remarks were widely circulated, adding immediate pressure to the pre-series narrative.

Smith’s Masterful and Humorous Counterattack

Steve Smith faced the media in his pre-Test press conference with a prepared response. Instead of directly addressing the Sandpapergate taunts, he cleverly shifted the focus to Panesar’s own public missteps.

Smith brought up Panesar’s 2019 appearance on Celebrity Mastermind. He reminded reporters of the former cricketer’s now-viral incorrect answers, including stating that Athens is in Germany.

The room reacted with laughter to Smith’s witty rebuttal. This move effectively deflected the criticism and questioned the credibility of his critic.

Team News and Broader Series Impact

Amid the verbal sparring, Smith confirmed Australia’s playing eleven. The team will feature two new debutants: fast bowler Brendan Doggett and opening batsman Jake Weatherald.

Smith acknowledged the difficulty in leaving all-rounder Beau Webster out of the side. He stated that Marnus Labuschagne’s return to number three bolstered the lineup.

This psychological skirmish underscores the immense pressure of an Ashes series. The mind games off the pitch are often as intense as the contest on it.

The Ashes 2025 begins with a battle of wits, proving that historical scandals and personal reputations remain potent weapons in cricket’s greatest rivalry.

Dropping this nugget your way

What did Monty Panesar say about Steve Smith?

Panesar urged English fans and media to pressure Smith over the Sandpapergate scandal. He said they should make him feel guilty to gain a psychological advantage before the Ashes.

How did Steve Smith respond to Panesar?

Smith responded with humor during a press conference. He referenced Panesar’s mistaken answers on a quiz show, where he said Athens was in Germany.

Who is debuting for Australia in the first Test?

Fast bowler Brendan Doggett and opener Jake Weatherald are making their Test debuts. Their selection was confirmed by captain Steve Smith ahead of the match in Perth.

What is the Sandpapergate scandal?

It refers to a 2018 incident where Australian players were caught tampering with the ball using sandpaper. Steve Smith was the captain and received a one-year ban from cricket.

Why is Marnus Labuschagne batting at number three?

Smith confirmed Labuschagne is most effective at number three. His return to that position strengthens Australia’s top order for the crucial Ashes series.