Ahead of the Ashes series in Australia, tensions flared as former England spinner Monty Panesar reignited the 2018 Sandpapergate controversy, suggesting England would mentally target Steve Smith over his past ball-tampering scandal. Panesar claimed Smith should still feel guilty and unfit for captaincy. Smith, now leading Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins for the first Test in Perth, responded humorously at a press conference. He referenced Panesar’s infamous appearance on the quiz show 'Mastermind,' mocking his incorrect answers about geography and literature. The room erupted in laughter as Smith dismissed Panesar’s comments as inconsequential. The 2018 scandal saw Smith and David Warner banned for a year, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month suspension. As the first Test approaches, England captain Ben Stokes hopes on-field cricket, not psychological warfare, dominates the series narrative.