Smith aims bizarre Mastermind jibe at former spinner Panesar

On the eve of the first Ashes Test, stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith made a strange remark about Monty Panesar.

Panesar, who played 50 Tests between 2006 and 2013, claimed last week that England should apologize to Smith for his role in the 2018 “Sandpapergate” scandal.

The ball-tampering incident against South Africa resulted in Smith being fired as captain, and England fans frequently use it as a mockery of the 36-year-old.

Within two minutes of the pre-game press conference at Perth Stadium, a journalist was asked a question about Panesar’s comments in what appeared to be an arrangement between Smith and him.

Smith responded by referring to Panesar’s 2019 appearance on BBC TV’s Celebrity Mastermind, which had only one correct answer in the general knowledge round. In the specialist subject round, the left-arm spinner correctly answered six questions about Sikhism and its history.

Smith said, “I’m going to go off topic here.” Who among you in the room witnessed Monty Panesar and Mastermind? Do you know anyone?

“Those of you who have understood will know where I’m coming from. Do yourself a favor by watching it if you haven’t because it’s pretty comical.

It doesn’t really bother me those comments because anyone who thinks Athens is in Germany, Oliver Twist is a city season, and so on. That’s about as far as I’ll go with that.

Beginning on Friday, one of the most eagerly awaited Ashes series ever will be released.

Players on both teams had avoided engaging in hostility toward one another prior to Smith’s bite at Panesar.

Since England’s arrival in Perth, the West Australian newspaper has been slandering them.

The tourists were described as “arrogant Bazballing Poms” on Thursday’s front page.

England coach Brendon McCullum described the hype surrounding the series as “pretty cool” in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport.

Pat Cummins, who has a back injury, will miss the first Test by replacing Smith.

The most memorable line in a media address of 17 minutes was for the Australia captain to turn his attention to Panesar the day before such a massive Test series began.