Steve Smith Fires Back at Monty Panesar Ahead of Ashes 2025: Banter, Scandal, and the Mind Games Before Perth

Steve Smith, Monty Panesar, and the Battle of Words Before the Ashes

It’s nearly midnight in Perth, but you wouldn’t know it by the feverish chatter on both sides of the cricketing world. With less than 24 hours until the first ball of the 2025 Ashes Test, the traditional mind games have reached a new, almost surreal pitch. This time, the spotlight has swung onto Steve Smith and Monty Panesar—a pairing no one quite expected to headline the pre-match drama.

The Spark: Panesar’s Call to Arms

It all began when Monty Panesar, England’s colorful former spinner, gave an interview to an online betting company. He urged England to «really get into» Steve Smith about his infamous role in the 2018 sandpaper scandal in Cape Town. For Panesar, this wasn’t just idle banter; he called on the UK media to seize the moment, to pressure Smith and «make him feel guilty». Panesar’s remarks, echoing the spirit of classic Ashes psychological warfare, quickly caught fire in the English press and among cricket fans on social media.

The context here is crucial. The sandpaper incident, which saw Smith suspended and Australia’s cricketing reputation tarnished, remains a touchpoint for both sides. For English supporters, it’s a weapon—an emotional lever to pull whenever the Ashes heat up.

Smith’s Unexpected Retort

At his pre-series press conference, Steve Smith was asked—reportedly via a planted question—about Panesar’s comments. Rather than sidestep or offer a measured response, Smith took a direct shot. He referenced Panesar’s infamous meltdown on the BBC’s Mastermind quiz show nearly seven years prior, suggesting that perhaps Panesar should focus on his own missteps. «It doesn’t really bother me», Smith grinned, before adding his pointed dig.

The exchange was vintage Ashes: sharp, personal, and instantly viral. Within hours, «Monty Panesar» was trending across the UK and Australia, and the build-up to the Perth Test had a fresh, unexpected twist. As ESPN noted, what began as a bit of routine banter had turned into a headline-grabbing sideshow.

Banter Escalates: Media, Podcasts, and the Barmy Army

The skirmish didn’t stop with Smith and Panesar. Australian cricket personalities Brad Haddin and Alyssa Healy weighed in on the Willow Talk podcast, urging Panesar to «pull your f***ing head in»—a typically blunt contribution to the Ashes dialogue. The British media, meanwhile, seized on Smith’s comments, framing them as evidence of nerves or calculated provocation.

And, as always, the Barmy Army—the famously vocal contingent of English cricket fans—are expected to amplify the noise in Perth, ready with their signature chants and jibes. The phrase «We saw you cry on the telly», referencing Smith’s emotional apology after the sandpaper scandal, is set to echo around the stadium.

The Human Side: Mistakes, Redemption, and the Search for Identity

Beneath the bravado and quips lies a more human story. Panesar’s journey since retiring from cricket has been far from smooth. He’s tried his hand at reality TV, made a memorable—if unsuccessful—appearance on Mastermind, and even briefly flirted with politics before stepping back. He’s spoken publicly about his mental health challenges and the difficulties of finding a new role after the game. Smith, for his part, has spent years rebuilding his image and career after the sandpaper saga, and now serves as Australia’s stand-in captain.

Both men, in their own ways, have grappled with public scrutiny and personal missteps. Panesar’s retort, delivered on BBC radio—«We’ve both made mistakes. I made mine on a quiz show, he made his on a cricket field»—was a reminder that even sporting icons are, above all, human.

What Does It Mean for the Ashes?

So, does all this matter once the cricket starts? In some ways, no—the Ashes will be decided by runs, wickets, and moments of brilliance or error on the field. But the psychological warfare, the mind games, and the media circus are as much a part of the contest as any cover drive or outswinger. For fans, it’s a reminder that the Ashes is never just about cricket; it’s about history, rivalry, and the stories that unfold on and off the pitch.

As Panesar prepares to appear on Michael Clarke’s podcast and Smith leads his team out in Perth, the world waits to see who will have the last word—not just in the press, but where it counts most: on the field.

Assessment: The lead-up to the 2025 Ashes has underscored how past scandals and personal histories continue to shape the psychological landscape of elite sport. Steve Smith’s public retort to Monty Panesar was more than mere banter; it was a calculated move that both acknowledged and deflected the lingering shadow of the sandpaper saga. Panesar’s response, self-deprecating yet pointed, highlighted the shared fallibility of sports figures. This exchange, while entertaining, is a reminder that beneath the theatrics of rivalry, the search for redemption and relevance is a universal story—one that keeps the Ashes compelling, year after year.