Is Steve Smith's Response to Monty Panesar's Critique Justified?
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Synopsis
In an intriguing prelude to the 2025 Ashes series, Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith made headlines with his sharp retort aimed at Monty Panesar. Amidst lingering tensions from the infamous Sandpapergate scandal, Smith's remarks provide a fascinating glimpse into the psychological warfare of cricket. Will this exchange add fuel to the Ashes rivalry?
Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith faced criticism from Monty Panesar regarding the infamous Sandpapergate.
- Smith's witty remarks highlight the ongoing tensions between Australia and England.
- The Ashes series is one of cricket's most anticipated events, kicking off on Friday.
- Smith received significant penalties following the Sandpapergate incident.
- The psychological elements of the game continue to play a crucial role in cricket rivalries.
Perth, Nov 20 (NationPress) Australia’s acting captain Steve Smith issued a pointed remark directed at Monty Panesar regarding the former England spinner’s comments on the 'sandpaper' scandal, just ahead of the 2025 Ashes series.
Panesar had mentioned that England should make Smith 'feel guilty' about his role in the Sandpapergate, a ball-tampering incident that resulted in Smith losing his role as Australia's permanent captain in 2018.
“Say things like, ‘I don’t think it’s ethical for him to be the captain, I don’t believe he played the game fairly’. Really go after him and make him feel guilty about it. Make him think, ‘they're probably right, I shouldn’t be here, I shouldn’t be doing this,’” Panesar had stated.
When asked about Panesar’s remarks during a pre-match press conference for the first Test, Smith brushed off the comments and humorously referred to Panesar’s appearance on a celebrity edition of BBC Mastermind in 2019, where he managed to answer only one question correctly.
“I'm going off topic here. How many of you in this room have seen Mastermind with Monty Panesar? If you have, you’ll understand what I mean. If not, you should watch it because it’s quite funny. Anyone who thinks that Athens is in Germany, Oliver Twist is a season, and America is a city, those comments don’t really faze me. That’s all I’ll say on that,” Smith remarked.
Smith was handed a 12-month international suspension by Cricket Australia and lost the captaincy following the Sandpapergate incident in South Africa.
During that scandal, Cameron Bancroft was caught attempting to alter the ball using sandpaper for an unfair advantage. It later came to light that David Warner orchestrated the plan, and Smith, as captain at the time, was aware of it. Consequently, Warner received a 12-month ban while Bancroft was suspended for 9 months.
The eagerly awaited Ashes series kicks off on Friday at Perth Stadium.
Point of View
It’s crucial to navigate this exchange with a balanced lens. Steve Smith's remarks reflect a confident stance amidst past controversies, while Monty Panesar's comments evoke the ongoing debate about accountability in sports. This dialogue is emblematic of the fierce competitive spirit that defines the Ashes series, making it a compelling narrative for cricket enthusiasts.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the exchange between Steve Smith and Monty Panesar?
The exchange was initiated by Monty Panesar's comments suggesting that England should make Steve Smith feel guilty about his involvement in the Sandpapergate scandal. Smith responded with a humorous dig during a press conference.
What was Sandpapergate?
Sandpapergate refers to the ball-tampering scandal involving the Australian cricket team during a match against South Africa in 2018, which resulted in significant penalties for key players including Steve Smith.
When does the Ashes series begin?
The much-anticipated Ashes series is set to commence on Friday at Perth Stadium.
What was the consequence of the Sandpapergate scandal for Steve Smith?
Steve Smith received a 12-month international suspension and lost his role as the captain of the Australian cricket team due to his involvement in the Sandpapergate scandal.
How did Smith respond to Panesar's critique?
Smith dismissed Panesar's comments during a press conference, making light of Panesar's past appearance on BBC Mastermind and stating that such remarks did not bother him.
