Former English cricket player Monty Panesar has addressed statements made by Australian cricket captain Steve Smith leading up to the Ashes series. Panesar and Smith engaged in a verbal exchange before the First Test in Perth, resulting in England’s defeat within two days.
The England team, including Ben Stokes, faced an eight-wicket loss at Optus Stadium and has now traveled to Brisbane for the Second Test at The Gabba. Ahead of the series opener, Panesar suggested that England should leverage the 2018 ball-tampering scandal to unsettle Australia and gain a competitive edge.
In response, Smith brought up Panesar’s appearance on BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind in 2019 during a press conference, implying a humorous element to Panesar’s comments.
Panesar has now retaliated against Smith’s remarks, expressing his surprise at Smith’s knowledge of his quiz show performance. He mentioned that he found satisfaction in being able to provoke Australians from the comfort of his sofa. Panesar also highlighted the lack of media attention on his sandpaper scandal remarks and speculated on the potential psychological impact on the upcoming matches.
Reflecting on Smith’s performance in the First Test, Panesar noted a change in the Australian captain’s demeanor, suggesting that the Barmy Army’s chants affected Smith’s play. Despite acknowledging Smith’s cricketing prowess, Panesar emphasized the importance of England using any advantage, psychological or otherwise, to their benefit.
Monty Panesar shared these insights with BOYLE Sports, a platform offering cricket odds, ahead of the upcoming Ashes Test matches. Cricket enthusiasts can catch the Ashes action starting November 21, with live coverage available on TNT Sports via discovery+ or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.