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Monty Panesar A psychological battle has been ignited ahead of ashclaiming that steve smith ‘Sandpapergate’ is burdened with scandal and insistence England To weaponize this alleged crime.
Smith, who was removed from captaincy of Australia after the infamous ball-tampering incident of 2018, is once again leading the team for the opening Test in Perth due to an injury to Pat Cummins.
During Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Smith launched an unexpected attack on Panesar, who had recently called on England fans and media to stop the Australian batsmen during the 2018 events.
In a carefully crafted response, Smith tried to undermine Panesar’s credibility by referencing his 2019 appearance on Celebrity Mastermind, where he answered only one general knowledge question correctly, despite getting six correct answers in his expert topic round.
Panesar, who represented England in 50 Test matches between 2006 and 2013, saw the lighter side of Smith’s taunt, interpreting it as evidence that the highly-rated Australia batsman regrets the ball-tampering incident.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Panesar said: “It’s interesting. I think it’s still in his mind, 100 per cent. I find it so funny that he has memorized the questions and answers.”
“The best way to deviate from this is to say something completely funny, humorous, which is something I did on the show and it will move everything forward.
“If I was in the England team now, I’d be thinking ‘Monty’s given us a piece of ammunition we can use on Steve Smith’.”
Smith’s unexpected criticism, which drew laughter from the room, suggested that despite Smith’s insistence to the contrary, Panesar may have succeeded in getting under his cover.
“I am going off topic here, who has seen the mastermind and Monty Panesar in the room? Any of you?” Smith began before detailing specific answers from the clip.
“Those of you who have will understand where I’m coming from. If you haven’t, do yourself a favor because it’s ridiculous. Anyone who believes that Athens is in Germany is a start, or that Oliver Twist is a season of the year and America is a city. It doesn’t really bother me, these comments. That’s as far as I’ll go with it.”
Smith has an impressive record with 12 centuries in 37 Test matches against England, and is the only two-time Compton-Miller Medal recipient, having averaged over 100 in both the 2017–18 and 2019 series.
Panesar said: “What I’m trying to do is help the England team – this is your opportunity; you’re in Perth, no Pat Cummins or Josh Hazlewood. If you’ve got the courage and you think it’s a good idea, tell him that.
“Say ‘Monty’s in your mind, mate, you’ve got the No. 11 batsman in your mind, are you going to bat like him today?’
“It’s important to make him uncomfortable. Ashes cricket is about scoring per centre, can the England team gain one per cent by taking Steve Smith out.”
“Is this a one-percenter where England can sledge him and all the boys will get into him, make him uncomfortable for the first 10 to 20 balls, he won’t be able to move and get out? (If that happens), England will be thinking we need to do this every time.”
Apart from the verbal spat, Smith also confirmed Australia’s starting XI, which includes two 31-year-old debutants.
South Australia Fast bowler Brendan Doggett has been selected as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement for Michael Neser, while Jake Weatherald will be the opening batsman.
with marnus labuschagne All-rounder Beau Webster, returning at number three, missed out despite a strong start to his Baggy Greens career.