Monty Panesar Fires Back at Steve Smith Ahead of Ashes 2025: “I Made Mistakes on TV, He Made His on a Cricket Field”
The Ashes 2025-26 verbal volleys have begun, and former England spinner Monty Panesar has landed a stinging counterpunch after Australian stand-in captain Steve Smith mocked his infamous 2019 Celebrity Mastermind appearance. Smith, captaining the first Test in Perth (November 21-25, 2025) due to Pat Cummins’ back injury, laughed off Panesar’s suggestion that England target his “Sandpapergate” guilt, citing Panesar’s quiz blunders—including believing Athens is in Germany and Oliver Twist a season. Panesar, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live November 19, 2025, didn’t hold back: “I’ve had shockers—he’s had great moments and one big shocker in South Africa. I made mine on a quiz show; he made his on a cricket field.” With England arriving in Perth amid a pace injury crisis for Australia (Cummins and Hazlewood out), Panesar’s jab revives the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, adding psychological spice to a series England haven’t won Down Under since 2010-11.
Key Exchange Highlights
- Smith’s Jibe (November 19 presser): “Monty Panesar saying we feel guilt? Guy thinks Athens in Germany—comical.”
- Panesar’s Retort: “Guilty of bad knowledge, not ball-tampering—take that every day.”
- Context: Panesar suggested England “make Smith feel guilty” about Sandpapergate.
- Smith’s Role: Captains opener; Cummins back hope for Brisbane (December 4-8)
- Series Stakes: 5 Tests; England 9-win streak; Australia retainers (2023 2-2 draw)
This pre-Ashes banter—classic sledging—signals mind games are alive, with Panesar claiming victory: “He’s watching my Mastermind clips night before Test—England already in his head.”
The Spark: Panesar’s Psychological Warfare
Panesar, speaking to a gambling site pre-tour (November 2025), advised England: “Target Smith’s guilt over Sandpapergate—make him feel it.” The 43-year-old, who took 167 Test wickets (2006-13), knows Australian pressure points from 2006-07 (0-5 loss) and 2009 (2-1 win) Ashes.
Smith’s response (November 19, Perth): Recited Panesar’s Mastermind errors—only 1 correct answer (specialist subject: England 2005 Ashes winners). “Pretty comical—shouldn’t take seriously.”
Panesar (5 Live, November 19): “Pleasing—he’s memorizing my clips night before Test. Rattled Aussies from sofa.”
Panesar: “Everyone shocked Smith responded—opens door for England boys to go hard, mind games. Could get him out early—thanks Monty!”
Sandpapergate Shadow: Smith’s “Big Shocker”
Cape Town, March 2018: Cameron Bancroft caught sanding ball; leadership group (Smith captain, Warner vice) sanctioned plan. Fallout: Smith/Warner 12-month bans; Bancroft 9 months. Smith tearful presser: “Mistakes made—full responsibility.”
Smith since: 4,000+ runs @57; 2023 Ashes hero (but booed relentlessly). Fans chant “cheat” at sight.
Panesar: “Guilty bad knowledge—not tampering. Take that every day.”
Smith (post-jibe): No direct Sandpapergate response; focused prep.
Celebrity Mastermind: Panesar’s Infamous Quiz
December 2019: Panesar’s specialist—2005 Ashes (perfect). General knowledge: 1/11 correct.
Blunders:
- Athens in Germany
- Oliver Twist a season
- America a city
Panesar laughed off: “Shocker—comical now.”
Smith’s dig: Attempted discredit Panesar’s insight.
Panesar: “If quizzed on cricket, ace it—Smith knows.”
Ashes Context: England’s Chance Amid Australian Injuries?
Perth opener: Cummins/Hazlewood out (back/hamstring); Smith captains; Starc lone “big three.”
England: Stokes fit (shoulder cleared); Wood/Archer/Atkinson hostile.
Ramprakash: “Stokes all five—England win comfortably.”
Finn: “Cracks showing—like 2010-11 transitional Aussies.”
Media hostility: Perth’s “Cocky Captain Complainer”—Stokes laughs off.
Stokes: “Balls to wall warm-up—ready.”
Verdict: Panesar Lands Blow—Ashes Mind Games Begin
Panesar’s riposte: Clever, cutting—Sandpapergate sting trumps quiz embarrassment.
Smith rattled? Watching Mastermind clips pre-Test—Panesar claims yes.
Ashes 2025-26: Verbal volleys fired. Perth November 21: On-field answers.
Panesar: “Thanks Monty—could be difference.”
Rivalry reloaded—classic Ashes.
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