Smith Aims Bizarre Mastermind Jibe At Former Spinner Panesar

Stand-in Australia skipper Steve Smith aimed a bizarre swipe astatine erstwhile England spinner Monty Panesar connected nan eve of nan first Ashes Test.

Panesar, who played 50 Tests betwixt 2006 and 2013, said past week England should make Smith consciousness "guilty" astir his portion successful nan 'Sandpapergate' ungraded of 2018.

Smith was sacked arsenic skipper arsenic a consequence of nan ball-tampering episode against South Africa and it is often utilized by England fans arsenic a taunt to nan 36-year-old.

In what appeared to beryllium an arranged set-up betwixt Smith and a journalist, a mobility astir Panesar's comments was posed wrong 2 minutes of nan pre-match news convention astatine Perth Stadium.

Smith responded by referring to Panesar's quality connected BBC TV show Mastermind, erstwhile he managed only 1 correct answer.

"I'm going to spell disconnected taxable here," said Smith. "Who of you successful nan room has seen Mastermind, and Monty Panesar connected that? Any of you?

"Those of you that person will understand wherever I'm coming from. If you haven't, do yourself a favour because it is beautiful comical.

"Anyone who believes that Athens is successful Germany, Oliver Twist is simply a play of nan year, and America is simply a city, it doesn't really fuss maine those comments. That's arsenic acold arsenic I'll spell pinch that one."

One of nan astir eagerly anticipated Ashes bid successful caller representation originates connected Friday.

Until Smith's wound astatine Panesar, players connected some teams had refrained from engagement successful hostility towards each other.

The West Australian newspaper has been baiting nan England squad since they arrived successful Perth.

Thursday's beforehand page labelled nan visitors "arrogant Bazballing Poms".

In an exclusive question and reply pinch BBC Sport, England coach Brendon McCullum said nan hype astir nan bid is "pretty cool".

Smith is opinionated successful for regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is missing nan first Test pinch a backmost injury.

For nan Australia skipper to move his attraction to Panesar nan time earlier specified a immense Test bid originates was an overseas move of events, and nan astir memorable statement successful a 17-minute reside of nan media.

In 2024, Panesar announced his attraction to guidelines arsenic an MP successful nan wide predetermination for nan Workers Party of Britain, only to propulsion retired a week later.