Steve Smith Fires Back at Monty Panesar in Explosive Ashes Pre-Game Clash

The 2025 Ashes series is already delivering fireworks before a ball has been bowled. Australian batsman Steve Smith has publicly clashed with former England spinner Monty Panesar. The war of words erupted over comments about a past cricket scandal. This happened just one day before the first Test in Perth.

Panesar urged England to target Smith over the 2018 sandpaper incident. Smith responded with a sharp retort about Panesar’s own public missteps. The exchange has captivated the cricketing world and intensified the traditional rivalry.

Panesar’s Provocation Ignites Firestorm

Monty Panesar set the stage for the conflict in a recent interview. He explicitly called for England to “get into” Steve Smith about the sandpaper scandal. Panesar also encouraged the UK media to revive the controversy. He believed this would pressure Smith and affect his performance.

The 2018 incident remains a sensitive topic in international cricket. Smith was suspended for his role in the ball-tampering event. According to ESPN, Panesar’s comments were quickly picked up by major news outlets. This created a media frenzy ahead of the crucial match.

Smith’s Masterful Counter-Punch

Steve Smith faced questions about the remarks at a pre-Ashes press conference. He appeared unbothered by the attempted mind games. Smith then delivered a calculated response referencing Panesar’s past.

He brought up Panesar’s notorious appearance on the BBC quiz show ‘Mastermind’. During that show, Panesar struggled to answer questions about his specialist subject. This witty retaliation showcased Smith’s mental strength. It immediately went viral on social media platforms.

The Australian camp seemed to support Smith’s approach. Teammates and commentators noted it shifted the pressure back onto Panesar. The story dominated sports headlines in both countries.

The Ripple Effect Across the Cricket World

The spat quickly drew reactions from other cricket personalities. Australian veterans Brad Haddin and Alyssa Healy criticized Panesar on their podcast. They suggested he should stay out of current team affairs. Their comments added another layer to the growing narrative.

English fans and the Barmy Army are now expected to chant about the exchange. The sandpaper incident and Smith’s emotional press conference remain potent material. This psychological warfare is a classic part of the Ashes tradition.

Both men have experienced very public downfalls and redemption arcs. Panesar has spoken openly about his mental health after cricket. Smith rebuilt his career after his one-year suspension. Their exchange highlights the human element behind elite sports rivalries.

What This Means for the Perth Test

The verbal jousting sets a tense stage for the first Test. All eyes will be on Smith’s first innings at the crease. How he handles the crowd’s reaction could influence the match’s momentum.

England’s bowlers may try to engage Smith in conversation. The visitors will test if the renewed focus on the scandal causes any distraction. Ultimately, runs and wickets will decide the contest, not words.

This public clash proves the Ashes is more than just a cricket series. The Steve Smith and Monty Panesar exchange adds a deeply personal dimension to the historic rivalry. The mind games have officially begun.

Info at your fingertips

What did Monty Panesar say about Steve Smith?

Panesar urged England to target Smith over the 2018 sandpaper scandal. He specifically asked the UK media to revive the controversy. He believed this would make Smith feel guilty and pressure him.

How did Steve Smith respond to Panesar?

Smith referenced Panesar’s difficult appearance on the BBC’s ‘Mastermind’ quiz show. He suggested Panesar should focus on his own past mistakes. The retort was widely reported as a sharp counter-attack.

What was the 2018 sandpaper scandal?

It was a ball-tampering incident during a Test match in South Africa. Australian cricketers used sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition. Steve Smith received a one-year suspension from international cricket for his role.

How does this affect the Ashes atmosphere?

It increases tension and adds a psychological element to the contest. English fans are likely to chant about the scandal. It tests Smith’s mental focus under renewed scrutiny.

Have other players commented on this feud?

Yes. Australian cricketers Brad Haddin and Alyssa Healy criticized Panesar’s comments. They publicly supported Steve Smith’s position in the matter.