Smith hits out at 'Mastermind' Panesar on eve of first Ashes Test
Steve Smith marked his temporary return as Australia's Ashes captain with a bizarre attack on former England spinner Monty Panesar in his press conference on the eve of the first Test in Perth.Panesar recently called on travelling fans and media to target Smith over his role in the 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal seven years ago, saying he should be made to feel "guilty" about standing in as Pat Cummins' replacement skipper.
Quizzed on those comments, Smith looked to discredit Panesar with a detailed reference to his gaffe-ridden appearance on Celebrity Mastermind in 2019.
Image:
Smith will stand in as Australia captain for the first Ashes Test in place of the injured Pat Cummins
"I'm going to go off topic here, who in the room has seen Mastermind, and Monty Panesar on that? Any of you?" Smith said, before referencing some specific answers from Panesar."Those of you that have will understand where I'm coming from. If you haven't, do yourself a favour because it is pretty comical.
"Anyone that believes that Athens is in Germany, that's a start, or that Oliver Twist is a season of the year and America is a city.
"It doesn't really bother me, those comments. That's as far as I'll go with that one."
Australia hand debuts to Weatherald and DoggettAs well as biting back at Panesar, Smith confirmed Australia's team for the first Test in Perth, with two 31-year-old debutants included.
Image:
Opening batter Jake Weatherald will make his Test debut for Australia in the first Ashes Test in Perth
Opening batter Jake Weatherald and pace bowler Brendan Doggett are included in the starting XI, ending months of speculation specifically about Australia's opening partnership.Marnus Labuschagne, who has been used as a makeshift opener, will bat back at his favoured No 3 position, thanks to the selection of Weatherald, who averages 37.47 in first-class cricket.South Australia seamer Doggett comes in for the injured Josh Hazlewood while Scott Boland, as expected, replaces Cummins in a weakened Australia pace attack that also features left-arm quick Mitchell Starc.All-rounder Cameron Green's recovery from injury means there's no place in the team for Beau Webster, who filled in impressively for seven Tests in Green's absence.Australia XI for first Ashes Test: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.Ashes series in Australia 2025-26All times UK and IrelandFirst Test: Friday November 21 - Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) - Optus Stadium, PerthSecond Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 - Monday December 8 (4.30am) - The Gabba, BrisbaneThird Test: Wednesday December 17 - Sunday December 21 (12am) - Adelaide OvalFourth Test: Thursday December 25 - Monday December 29 (11.30pm) - Melbourne Cricket GroundFifth Test: Sunday January 4 - Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) - Sydney Cricket Ground
