Former England cricket star Monty Panesar has addressed comments made by Australia 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.
Ben Stokes and the England team faced an eight-wicket loss at Optus Stadium and have now moved to Brisbane for the Second Test at The Gabba. Prior to the series opener, Panesar suggested that England should exploit the 2018 ball-tampering scandal to unsettle Australia and gain an advantage.
In response to Panesar’s remarks, Smith brought up Panesar’s appearance on BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind in 2019 during a press conference. Smith jokingly referenced Panesar’s performance on the show, highlighting some of the amusing answers given by the former spinner.
Panesar has now responded to Smith’s comments, expressing his surprise at Smith referencing his Mastermind appearance. Panesar found satisfaction in being able to provoke Australian players even from the sidelines. He also mentioned the potential psychological impact the ball-tampering scandal could have on the ongoing series.
Reflecting on Smith’s performance in the First Test, Panesar noted a change in demeanor and performance, suggesting that the England team can use this to their advantage moving forward. Panesar emphasized the strategic prowess of Smith as a player and captain, acknowledging his influence on the Australian team’s decisions.
Panesar concluded by highlighting the importance of mental tactics in the Ashes series and speculated on how England, particularly Ben Stokes, could use such strategies to gain an edge over the opposition. The ongoing banter between Panesar and Smith adds an intriguing dynamic to the upcoming matches.
Monty Panesar shared these insights in an interview with BOYLE Sports, a leading provider of cricket odds, ahead of the upcoming Ashes Test match. Fans can catch all the action of the Ashes series starting on November 21, broadcast live on TNT Sports via discovery+ or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.