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Steve Smith dismisses Panesar's Ashes taunt with Mastermind jab ahead of first Test
Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith deflected criticism from former England spinner Monty Panesar on Thursday, mocking the ex-cricketer's infamous 2019 Celebrity Mastermind performance rather than addressing Panesar's remarks about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England between 2006 and 2013, had urged the current England side-led by Ben Stokes-to exploit Smith's role in the 'Sandpapergate' controversy, suggesting they should "make him feel guilty" during the upcoming Ashes series. The scandal, which saw Smith stripped of the captaincy, remains a recurring taunt from English fans.
Smith's unorthodox response
During a pre-match press conference at Perth Stadium, Smith was asked about Panesar's comments in what appeared to be a prearranged exchange with a journalist. Instead of engaging with the substance of the criticism, Smith pivoted to Panesar's disastrous Mastermind appearance, where the spinner scored just one correct answer in the general knowledge round.
"I'm going to go off topic here," Smith said. "Who of you in the room has seen Mastermind, and Monty Panesar on that? Any of you? 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.
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. That's as far as I'll go with that one."
Steve Smith, Australia stand-in captain
Series build-up overshadowed by verbal spat
The exchange marked an unusual pre-series escalation, breaking the relative calm that had characterized pre-Ashes interactions between the two teams. Until Smith's remarks, players from both sides had largely avoided public hostility, despite provocative local media coverage-including a West Australian front-page headline on Thursday branding England's squad "arrogant Bazballing Poms."
England coach Brendon McCullum, in contrast, struck a measured tone in an interview with BBC Sport, calling the hype surrounding the series "pretty cool." Smith is deputizing for regular captain Pat Cummins, who misses the first Test in Perth due to a back injury.
Panesar's political foray and cricket legacy
Panesar, now 43, has remained a polarizing figure since retiring from professional cricket. In 2024, he briefly announced his candidacy as a parliamentary candidate for the Workers Party of Britain in the general election, only to withdraw a week later. His cricket career, though marred by inconsistency, included memorable performances, such as a five-wicket haul in the 2009 Ashes.
The Ashes 2025-26: Key details
The five-Test series begins on Friday, 21 November 2025, with live coverage across BBC platforms, including ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website. In-play clips and highlights will be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app.
