Australian cricket star Steve Smith has delivered an extraordinary response to former England spinner Monty Panesar's call for Ashes fans to target him over the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, instead turning the tables with a brutal reference to Panesar's infamous Celebrity Mastermind appearance.
The Press Conference Confrontation
Standing in as Australia's temporary captain for the Ashes series in Pat Cummins' absence, Smith used his pre-Test press conference in Perth to launch a well-prepared counter-attack against Panesar's recent comments. The former England bowler had suggested that travelling supporters and media should make Smith feel "guilty" about his role in the 'Sandpapergate' incident from seven years earlier.
Rather than addressing the scandal directly, Smith took what observers described as a "curious tangent", asking journalists: "I'm going to go off topic here, who in the room has seen Mastermind, and Monty Panesar on that? Any of you?"
Mastermind Blunders Exposed
Smith proceeded to highlight several of Panesar's most memorable gaffes from his 2019 appearance on the BBC quiz show, where the former cricketer faced presenter John Humphrys in a general knowledge round that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.
The Australian batter specifically referenced Panesar claiming that:
- Athens is located in Germany
- Oliver Twist represents a season of the year
- America is a city rather than a country
Smith told assembled media: "Those of you that have [seen it] will understand where I'm coming from. If you haven't, do yourself a favour because it is pretty comical." He concluded his unexpected diatribe by stating: "It doesn't really bother me, those comments. That's as far as I'll go with that one."
Australia's Team Selection Revealed
Amid the verbal sparring, Smith confirmed Australia's starting XI for the first Test, featuring two 31-year-old debutants. South Australian seamer Brendan Doggett secured the spot as Josh Hazlewood's replacement, edging out Michael Neser, while Jake Weatherald steps up as opener.
The return of Marnus Labuschagne at number three meant no place for all-rounder Beau Webster, with Smith admitting the decision was "very tricky". He explained: "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."
The complete Ashes 2025/26 schedule for UK viewers:
- First Test – Optus Stadium, Perth: November 21 (2.30am UK start)
- Second Test – The Gabba, Brisbane: December 4 (4.30am UK start, day/night)
- Third Test – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide: December 17 (12am UK start)
- Fourth Test – MCG, Melbourne: December 25 (11.30pm UK start)
- Fifth Test – SCG, Sydney: January 3 (11.30pm UK start)
While Smith's Mastermind references drew laughter from the press conference room, cricket analysts suggested that Panesar may have succeeded in getting under the skin of a batter who will be crucial to Australia's Ashes campaign. The exchange sets the stage for what promises to be another fiercely contested series between the historic rivals.
