With the first Ashes Test in Perth just days away, the psychological battle off the field has already begun. Former England spinner Monty Panesar has urged Ben Stokes and his team to revive the infamous Sandpapergate scandal as a mental tactic to rattle Australia’s acting captain Steve Smith. Panesar believes targeting Smith’s past could disrupt his focus and leadership during a high-pressure series.

“Make Him Feel Guilty,” Says Panesar

Panesar known for speaking bluntly about Smith’s role in the 2018 ball-tampering incident, argued that England should not hesitate to question the Australian star’s integrity.

“Ben Stokes and the England team have got to make Steve Smith feel guilty and play on that,” Panesar said. “Tell him he hasn’t played the game fairly… make him doubt himself.”

He

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