Former England cricket player Monty Panesar has reacted to statements made by Australia’s captain, Steve Smith, ahead of the Ashes series. Panesar and Smith had a verbal exchange before the First Test in Perth, where England suffered a quick defeat within two days.
Following the loss, England’s team, including Ben Stokes, has now moved to Brisbane for the Second Test at The Gabba. Prior to the series opener, Panesar had suggested that England should use the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 to unsettle Australia and gain an advantage.
In response, Smith brought up Panesar’s appearance on the BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind in 2019 during a press conference. Smith humorously referenced Panesar’s answers on the show, highlighting some humorous misconceptions.
Panesar has now responded to Smith’s comments, indicating that he found it amusing that Smith had remembered his TV appearance before the Test match. Panesar mentioned that while he enjoyed getting under the Australians’ skin, he would have preferred England to win the Test match.
Reflecting on the media coverage, Panesar noted the lack of attention given to his remarks about the sandpaper incident. He suggested that Ben Stokes could utilize this incident for a psychological advantage during the series.
Panesar also commented on Smith’s performance in the First Test, mentioning that he sensed nervousness in Smith’s batting and observed a deviation from his usual form. Despite acknowledging Smith’s cricketing prowess and strategic skills, Panesar emphasized that England’s team will need to decide how to use such observations to their benefit in the upcoming matches.
In an interview with BOYLE Sports, Panesar shared his insights and opinions ahead of the second Ashes Test match. Fans can follow the action between England and Australia, starting on November 21, live on TNT Sports via discovery+ or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.