‘Smith Aims Bizarre Jibe at Former Spinner Panesar’ as Ashes Drama Ignites Early

Smith Aims Bizarre Jibe at Former Spinner Panesar on Eve of Ashes Opener

In the days leading up to a blockbuster Ashes series, you’d typically expect discussions about team strategy, conditions, selection calls, or perhaps the familiar mind games between two of cricket’s most storied rivals. Instead, the eve of the first Test at Perth Stadium delivered an unexpected twist: stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith using his pre-match press conference to take aim at former England spinner Monty Panesar.

The swipe was strange, sharp, and unquestionably pre-planned.

Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England between 2006 and 2013, had suggested last week that England should make Smith feel “guilty” about his role in the 2018 ‘Sandpapergate’ ball-tampering scandal—an episode that continues to follow the Australian whenever an Ashes series comes around. English crowds, particularly, have weaponised it as a taunt for years.

But Smith, now 36 and temporarily leading the side in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins, came armed with a counterpunch far removed from cricketing analysis.

A Press Conference Turns to Celebrity Mastermind

Barely two minutes into the briefing, a journalist—apparently in on the act—asked Smith for his thoughts on Panesar’s comments about Sandpapergate. Rather than defend himself or dismiss the criticism, Smith went down an entirely different path, bringing up Panesar’s 2019 appearance on BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind.

“I’m going to go off topic here,” Smith said, grinning. “Who of you in the room has seen Mastermind, and Monty Panesar on that? Any of you?”

He went on, for anyone who had missed the viral TV moment.

“Those of you that have will understand where I’m coming from. If you haven’t, do yourself a favour because it is pretty comical.”

Panesar, during the general knowledge round on the show, famously struggled—managing just one correct answer. While he had performed competently in the specialist round on Sikhism, it was the second half that became a social-media punchline. His mistaken answers—suggesting Athens was in Germany, Oliver Twist was a season of the year, and America was a city—were swiftly turned into memes.

Smith used them as ammunition.

“Anyone who believes that Athens is in Germany, Oliver Twist is a season of the year, and America is a city… it doesn’t really bother me, those comments,” he said, shutting down the line of questioning.

It was a sharp jab, theatrical even, and unquestionably designed to grab headlines. And it did.

Ashes Heat Arrives Early

All it took was one press conference for tensions to flare in what many consider the most eagerly awaited Ashes series in years. Up until Smith’s intervention, both camps had kept their powder dry, avoiding any escalations and focusing on the cricket.

Given the stakes, it’s no surprise that any spark—however bizarre—would catch fire.

The West Australian newspaper has been fanning the flames since England arrived in Perth. Thursday’s front page labelled the tourists “arrogant Bazballing Poms”, a nod to England’s ultra-aggressive, risk-embracing style under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. The build-up feels theatrical, almost cinematic—perfect for a rivalry that thrives on subplots.

Even McCullum, typically cool and measured, admitted in an interview with BBC Sport that the hype is “pretty cool”. The New Zealander has always embraced pressure as part of the entertainment value of Test cricket, and he appears unfazed by Australia’s media warm-up act.

Smith Steps In as Cummins Steps Out

Pat Cummins’ absence due to a back injury created a last-minute leadership shuffle for Australia. Smith, no stranger to the captaincy—he once held it full-time before being removed in the wake of Sandpapergate—stepped back into the role with a sense of familiarity.

Yet the decision to direct his energy at Panesar the day before the Ashes opener struck many as odd. On a day meant for tactical discussions and calm, measured leadership, it was Smith’s off-field jab that stole the show.

The press conference lasted 17 minutes, but it was that single moment of mockery that dominated the headlines.

Panesar: From Cricket to Politics… Briefly

Adding another layer of intrigue is Panesar’s recent foray into public life. In 2024, he announced his intention to stand as an MP in the UK general election for the Workers Party of Britain. Within a week, he withdrew his candidacy. It was a short, strange episode—yet one that kept his name in the news.

Smith’s comments, then, were aimed at a figure who has inadvertently become a magnet for headline-grabbing moments—be they political miscalculations or quiz-show stumbles.

Panesar has not yet publicly responded to Smith’s remarks, but given his outspoken nature, it would not be surprising if he enters the conversation soon.

A Series Set to Explode

Beyond the off-field chatter, the cricket itself promises to be gripping. England’s Bazball revolution remains polarising but undeniably exciting. Australia are defending Ashes holders and, even without Cummins, boast a formidable attack and a seasoned middle order.

Smith stepping into the captaincy only adds another layer of unpredictability. His tactical acumen has always been sharp, and his batting in the Ashes is legendary. But moments like this—a quip aimed at a retired spinner over a TV quiz show—hint at the lingering sensitivity surrounding Sandpapergate, and how quickly the subject can still ignite emotions.

For England, the distraction may even be welcome. The more attention Smith draws off the field, the more the tourists can quietly focus on their game plan.

For Australia, it signals a fighting mood, a willingness to push back, and perhaps an eagerness to own the narrative before the first ball is bowled.

The Ashes Begin with Mind Games, Not Cricket

In the end, Smith’s unusual jibe at Panesar might be remembered as the moment the 2025 Ashes truly began—not with a boundary, a bouncer, or a wicket, but with a cheeky reference to Celebrity Mastermind.

Whether it rattles England, entertains fans, or simply adds another quirky chapter to Ashes folklore, one thing is certain: the rivalry is alive, loud and thriving, even before the players walk out onto the field.

And if this is the tone being set before day one, the next few weeks could deliver one of the most fiery, dramatic Ashes battles we’ve seen in years.