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 engaged in a verbal exchange before the First Test in Perth, where England suffered a swift defeat within two days.

The England team, led by Ben Stokes, faced an eight-wicket loss at the Optus Stadium and has now moved on to Brisbane for the Second Test at The Gabba. Prior to the series opener, Panesar suggested that England should leverage the notorious ball-tampering scandal of 2018 to unsettle Australia and gain a competitive advantage.

In response, Smith referenced Panesar’s appearance on BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind in 2019 during a press conference, making light of the former spinner’s comments.

Panesar, in turn, has now replied to Smith’s remarks, expressing surprise at Smith’s knowledge of his quiz show answers and finding pleasure in being able to affect Australians even from a distance. Panesar also reflected on the lack of media attention to his previous comments on the sandpaper incident and speculated on the potential psychological impact it could have on the ongoing series.

Regarding Smith’s performance in the First Test, Panesar noted a change in Smith’s demeanor and emphasized his respect for Smith’s cricketing prowess and strategic acumen. Panesar highlighted the importance of mental tactics in the game and hinted at the role Ben Stokes might play in deciding how England approaches the series moving forward.

Panesar shared his observations and insights with Boyle Sports, a platform offering cricket odds, ahead of the upcoming Ashes Test match. As the Ashes action unfolds, fans can catch all the live coverage on TNT Sports, accessible through discovery+ or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.