Winning in Australia Harder Than Olympic Gold, Says Monty Panesar

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes that winning a Test series in Australia is a far tougher challenge than securing an Olympic gold medal, as England struggle in the ongoing Ashes 2025–26. The Ben Stokes-led side trails 0–2 in the five-match series and faces the prospect of another Ashes defeat Down Under.

Speaking to India Today.in, Panesar analysed England’s difficulties in Australian conditions, reflected on his own experience during England’s historic 2010–11 Ashes triumph, and explained why success in Australia remains one of cricket’s most demanding achievements.

Where England Have Gone Wrong

According to Panesar, England’s aggressive batting approach, which has worked in home conditions, has been exposed on Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches. He pointed out that playing on the up and shifting into high gear too early has resulted in frequent collapses.

England’s batting failures have been stark. In Perth and Brisbane, promising positions quickly unravelled into dramatic slides, while dropped catches compounded their problems in the field. Panesar noted that missed opportunities allowed Australia to build match-defining leads, underlining the mental and technical gap between the two sides.

He stressed that in Australia, teams cannot afford poor fielding, adding that Australia’s sharp catching has been a decisive factor in the series so far.

Adelaide Offers a Chance

Despite the bleak start, Panesar believes the Adelaide Test could provide England an opportunity to regroup. He suggested that the flatter surface and lower bounce at the venue should suit England’s batting style better and allow for a more competitive contest.

Shoaib Bashir and Selection Calls

Panesar also addressed England’s decision to leave young spinner Shoaib Bashir out of the playing XI. While acknowledging England’s long-term investment in Bashir, he said the off-spinner failed to make a strong case in warm-up matches, leaking runs heavily and struggling to take wickets.

He explained that success in Australia demands a high-quality stock delivery, particularly with the Kookaburra ball, citing Nathan Lyon as the benchmark. Without consistent control and penetration, Panesar said it was difficult for Bashir to push for selection.

Praise for Jofra Archer

Panesar reserved praise for Jofra Archer, applauding his hostile spell against Steve Smith and his ability to deliver short bursts of extreme pace. While admitting Archer cannot sustain that intensity all day, Panesar said even one such spell can change the course of a match — a view reinforced by Archer’s five-wicket haul in Adelaide.

Banter With Steve Smith

The former spinner also reflected on his light-hearted exchange with Steve Smith ahead of the Ashes. After Smith responded to Panesar’s earlier comments by sharing an old quiz show clip, Panesar joked that the Australian batter had “made him famous,” calling the episode part of Ashes tradition and friendly banter.

Joe Root Set to Shine

Panesar backed Joe Root to produce consistent performances after ending his long wait for a Test century in Australia with an unbeaten 138 in Brisbane. He believes Root’s confidence and experience will be crucial if England are to mount a comeback in the remaining matches.

“Harder Than Olympic Gold”

Drawing on his 2010–11 experience, Panesar said preparation is the defining factor when touring Australia. He argued that England underestimated the importance of extensive warm-up matches and acclimatisation, unlike past teams that spent months preparing.

“Winning in Australia happens maybe once every 20 years,” Panesar said, adding that the challenge is comparable to competing in multiple Olympic cycles before finally winning gold. He suggested England are only now treating the series as a learning curve, with Adelaide effectively becoming their first real Test.

Whether England can turn lessons into results remains to be seen, but Panesar’s assessment underlines just how unforgiving Australian conditions continue to be.