In a tense structure Ashes 2025 Row, Australian stand-in captain Steve Smith It was a sharp retreat for the former England spinner Monty Panesarwhich led to the clogging sandpaper scandal controversy. As the first test looms in Perth, Smith’s firm stance underlines the Australian Cricketing icon’s resilience, particularly against the psychological tactics employed by opposing teams. English.
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Smith, famously linked to the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, publicly rejected Panesar’s inflammatory comments at a press conference that featured Panesar’s characterizations. The former Australian captain, who faced a 12-month suspension and leadership ban after the incident, announced that he did not swear by the deep-rooted disputes in the past.
In a clever and defiant mastermind, Smith referenced Panesar’s previous appearance on the BBC’s Mastermind, scrambling to match the two. “Did you see the master and monty panesar on who in the room? Any of you? Yes, you who are, you’ll know you’re coming and do yourself a favor because it’s pretty funny” said Smith.
This close-to-the-bones retort was dismissed by Panesar’s rejection of his claims about the effectiveness of psychological warfare. For Smith’s mental toughness, Smith scored 774 runs in the 2019 Ashes, despite unrelenting hostility from the English crowd after his involvement in the sandpaper scandal here. His flaw cemented his stature as one of cricket’s most formidable opponents.
Here is the video:
“Whose master and monty saw the panesar in the room?” 😂😂😂
Australia captain Steve Smith took a hilarious swipe at former England spinner Monty Panyesar at a press conference ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth.#cricket # beds #masterm pic.twitter.com/xelcxdppks
– Kayo Sports (@kayoSports) November 20, 2025
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Panesar’s comments once again limited the case of sandpaper as he urged Britain to reconsider its form of strategic weapon. Panesar highlighted the potential of a retirement, with England’s team aiming to make Smith feel guilty about his past actions, ultimately unsettling him in succession. Without the use of sandpaper and Smith’s integrity, it suggested a dubious tactic with a strategy reminiscent of the Australian teams. Steve Waugh period.
However, Smith’s calm and calculated response suggests that he was caught off guard by such mind games. A history of coercion combined with past acts of insubordination suggests a willingness to go to any length in psychological warfare. In fact, Smith’s focus, as seen in his recent remarks about the team’s lineup and upcoming series, is remarkable, not only for dismissing his distractions, but not for distractions.
The media’s role in this high-stakes drama remains with Panesar, with Panesar to intensify the British media’s psychological pressure on Smith. Still, experience from previous encounters Smith’s mental body can neutralize this tactic, especially given his ability to prevail in hostile situations.
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