Archive · 24 Nov 2025
Lehmann Criticizes England for Sandpapergate Reminders
Darren Lehmann, a former Australian cricket coach and player, said he doesn't like how England keeps bringing up the Sandpapergate incident involving Steve Smith.
This happened in 2018 when Smith was caught using a piece of sandpaper to change the ball during a cricket match.
Lehmann thinks it's not fair to keep reminding Smith about this, as it might hurt his feelings and mental health.
Smith is now the captain of the Australian cricket team.
A former English player, Monty Panesar, said Smith shouldn't be the captain because of what he did.
But Smith responded by saying Panesar made silly mistakes on a TV show, which he found funny.
The next cricket match between England and Australia is in Brisbane on December 4.
Darren Lehmann criticizes England for constantly reminding Australia about the 2018 Sandpapergate incident involving Steve Smith.
Lehmann believes the constant reminders negatively impact Smith's mental health.
Former England spinner Monty Panesar suggested making Smith feel guilty about the incident.
Smith responded by referencing Panesar's erroneous answers on the TV show 'Mastermind'.
The second Ashes Test between England and Australia is scheduled to start in Brisbane on December 4.
- Who
- Darren Lehmann, Steve Smith, Monty Panesar
- What
- Criticism of England for reminding Australia of Sandpapergate
- When
- During and after the first Ashes Test 2023
- Where
- Perth, Australia
- Why
- Lehmann believes constant reminders affect Smith's mental health
- Incident
- Sandpapergate
- Year
- 2018
- Location
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Banned Player
- Steve Smith
- Ban Duration
- 12 months
- Current Series
- Ashes 2023
- Next Test
- Brisbane, December 4