On the brink of the Ashes series, an unexpected clash emerged between Monty Panesar and Steve Smith. The Australian skipper took the opportunity during a press briefing to bring back the ‘Sandpapergate’ controversy, shedding light on Panesar’s remarks regarding the scandal involving Australian players caught tampering with the ball using sandpaper.
Panesar, a former English spinner, had urged Ben Stokes and the England team to exploit Smith’s guilt over the incident and challenge his captaincy ethics. Smith, having strategically orchestrated a question on the matter, dismissed the criticism by drawing a parallel with a comedy show, implying he was unperturbed by Panesar’s comments.
Smith, who was previously stripped of his captaincy due to his involvement in the scandal, now leads the Australian team in the upcoming Test in Perth, as Pat Cummins is sidelined. Panesar, known for his cricket insights from his Test career, retaliated by acknowledging their respective mistakes – his on a quiz show and Smith’s on the cricket field.
The Ashes series commences soon in Perth, with England likely opting for a pace-heavy lineup. Meanwhile, Sky has enhanced its TV Sports bundle, offering a comprehensive range of content including HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and more, alongside extensive coverage of sports events such as the Premier League and EFL matches.
Sky’s broadcasting portfolio encompasses over 1,400 live matches spanning various sports, including the Premier League, EFL, Formula 1, darts, and golf, ensuring a diverse viewing experience for sports enthusiasts.
By selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News, readers can access their preferred news content promptly.