Fri Nov 21 08:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

On the eve of the Ashes series, stand-in Australian captain Steve Smith made a pointed remark about former England spinner Monty Panesar. This came after Panesar suggested that England should make Smith feel guilty about his involvement in the 2018 “Sandpapergate” scandal. Smith responded by mocking Panesar’s poor performance on the BBC TV show “Celebrity Mastermind,” highlighting his incorrect answers in the general knowledge round. The incident marks a break in the pre-series cordiality between the two teams and stands out as a bizarre moment before the highly anticipated first Test.

News Article:

Smith’s Odd Mastermind Jab at Panesar Sparks Ashes Eve Stir

Perth, Australia – On the eve of the highly anticipated Ashes series, stand-in Australian captain Steve Smith raised eyebrows with a bizarre attack on former England spinner Monty Panesar. The unexpected jab came in response to Panesar’s recent comments suggesting England should exploit Smith’s guilt over the 2018 “Sandpapergate” scandal.

During a pre-match press conference, Smith, seemingly in a pre-arranged question, dismissed Panesar’s comments, turning the focus to the former spinner’s appearance on the BBC TV show “Celebrity Mastermind” in 2019. Smith ridiculed Panesar’s poor performance, specifically highlighting his incorrect answers in the general knowledge round.

“Anyone who believes that Athens is in Germany, Oliver Twist is a season of the year, and America is a city, it doesn’t really bother me those comments,” Smith stated.

The comments marked a departure from the pre-Ashes cordiality that had been maintained by both teams, and injected an unexpected dose of antagonism into the series kickoff. While the Australian media had already engaged in light-hearted taunting of the England team, labeling them “arrogant Bazballing Poms,” Smith’s personal attack was considered an unusual move, especially considering the magnitude of the upcoming Test match.

Smith is filling in as captain for Pat Cummins, who is sidelined with a back injury for the first Test. The Ashes series begins Friday.

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