Monty Panesar Sparks Ashes Controversy as Steve Smith Fires Back Over Sandpapergate Sledge

Monty Panesar’s Sandpapergate Comments Ignite Pre-Ashes Drama

The build-up to the 2025 Ashes Test in Perth has been anything but quiet. Former England spinner Monty Panesar, never one to shy from controversy, took a bold stance in the British press, urging travelling fans and media to hold Australian captain Steve Smith accountable for his role in the infamous ‘Sandpapergate’ ball-tampering scandal—a saga that rocked the cricketing world seven years ago.

Panesar, speaking to outlets including Fox Sports and referenced by The Independent, called on England’s players and the British media to “make Steve Smith feel guilty and play on that”. His message was clear: England should seize the opportunity to turn the scandal into a psychological weapon, arguing, “If it were the opposite, the Australian media would be all over it. They would have said, if it was any of the English players, ‘the cheaters have arrived’. Right?”

Panesar’s comments didn’t go unnoticed. He insisted, “Say something like, ‘I don’t think it’s ethical that he’s the captain, I don’t think he played the game fairly’. Really get into him and make him feel guilty about it. Make him feel like, ‘they’re probably right, I shouldn’t be here, I shouldn’t be doing this.’”

Steve Smith’s Blistering Press Conference Response

The anticipation of the Ashes reached a new pitch when Steve Smith, temporarily stepping in as Australia’s captain, faced the media ahead of the first Test. Instead of brushing off Panesar’s jibes, Smith delivered a prepared and pointed retort, steering the conversation into unexpected territory.

Smith referenced Panesar’s much-memed 2019 appearance on the UK quiz show Celebrity Mastermind, where the former cricketer went viral for several illogical answers. Smith, with a wry smile, asked reporters, “Who in the room has seen Mastermind, and Monty Panesar on that? Any of you?” The Australian skipper then cited Panesar’s now-infamous answers—suggesting Athens is in Germany, calling Oliver Twist a season of the year, and referring to America as a city. “It’s pretty comical,” Smith quipped. “Anyone that believes that Athens is in Germany, that’s a start, or that Oliver Twist is a season of the year and America is a city. It doesn’t really bother me, those. That’s as far as I’ll go with that one.”

The room erupted in laughter, but behind the humor lay an unmistakable message: Smith wasn’t going to let Panesar’s challenge go unaddressed. The exchange, while light-hearted on the surface, underscored the psychological gamesmanship that often precedes marquee sporting contests.

Media, Pressure, and the Power of Narrative

The incident highlights a recurring theme in international cricket—the role of media and former players in shaping the mental landscape before a big series. Panesar’s call for the British media to “put pressure” on Smith is emblematic of cricket’s long-standing tradition of off-field mind games. His remarks reflect not only a tactical approach but also an understanding of how narrative can influence players’ psyche on the pitch.

For Smith, the response was more than just a witty comeback; it was a calculated move to deflect scrutiny and perhaps turn the tables on his detractors. By referencing Panesar’s public missteps, Smith sought to question the authority of his critic, framing the debate in terms of credibility rather than substance.

Ashes Team News and Shifting Dynamics

Amid the war of words, Smith confirmed Australia’s playing XI, which includes two debutants—South Australia seamer Brendan Doggett and opener Jake Weatherald. The selection marks a changing of the guard, with Marnus Labuschagne reclaiming the crucial number three spot and all-rounder Beau Webster missing out despite a strong start to his Baggy Greens career.

Smith acknowledged the difficulty of the selection process: “It was very tricky. I think Beau came into international cricket and lit it up immediately, so I think it’s a really tough one on him. He’s the one that misses out unfortunately. But I think with Marnus, when he’s batting at his best at number three, it makes us a very, very good cricket side. We couldn’t really leave him out.”

The inclusion of new faces alongside established talent sets the stage for an Ashes series rich in both narrative and uncertainty, where psychological skirmishes off the field may prove as decisive as the cricket itself.

Panesar’s Public Persona and Ongoing Influence

Panesar’s role as provocateur is not new. Beyond his cricketing exploits, he’s flirted with politics—considering a run for Parliament with George Galloway’s Workers Party of Britain—and become a familiar face in British media circles. His ability to court controversy, whether in politics, punditry, or pop culture (as seen in the Mastermind episode), keeps him in the public eye and ensures his comments carry weight, especially in the emotionally charged context of the Ashes.

This episode is a reminder of how former players can wield outsized influence on the eve of major series, leveraging their platform to shape expectations, stoke rivalries, and perhaps unsettle opponents.

What Does It Mean for the Ashes?

As the first ball is bowled in Perth, the pre-series sparring between Panesar and Smith will linger in the background. For fans and players alike, it’s a window into the psychology of elite sport—where reputation, memory, and media can be as potent as bat and ball.

Ultimately, Panesar’s remarks and Smith’s rejoinder are more than just headline fodder. They reflect the ongoing legacy of Sandpapergate in shaping Smith’s public image, the tactical interplay between nations, and the enduring drama that defines Ashes cricket.

The facts reveal a contest where the battle of wits is nearly as fierce as the one on the field. Panesar’s provocative remarks and Smith’s deft riposte illustrate how history, reputation, and media scrutiny continue to shape the Ashes narrative, reminding us that in cricket, as in life, the story behind the headlines can be just as pivotal as the game itself.