India, Nov. 20 -- It won't be Ashes without some banter, tension and some typical England-Australia jibes ahead of the start of the much-awaited five-match series between two of the oldest rivals. In other words, Ashes won't be Ashes 'ing if it isn't for some roughing up of the feathers. Because that's exactly what's happening between the Aussie stand-in captain Steve Smith and former England spinner Monty Panesar. Panesar landed the opening blow, urging the English media and the travelling fans to bombard Smith with the infamous Sandpaper-gate reminders, attempting to throw him off his game. He also wants them to make Smith feel 'guilty' about stepping in as captain for the injured Pat Cummins.

But what Panesar didn't anticipate was the...