Lehmann Condemns England Fans for Taunts Directed at Steve Smith
Steve Smith has featured in 38 games versus the English team and accumulated 3,436 runs.
England crowds need to act better than the taunts they aim at Australia batsman Steve Smith, says ex- coach Darren Lehmann.
Steve Smith, 36, has become a regular recipient of songs and taunts from English fans following his involvement in the 2018's ball-tampering incident.
He was sacked as leader and banned for a year while Lehmann, who was exonerated of wrongdoing, stepped down as head coach following the episode.
"The abuse you face is every day," Lehmann said. "It is unbelievable."
"He is playing constantly. It's likely worse for him."
"Among English crowds they just never forget. It is like they have ever made a mistake in their existence."
"It's just the people that consume excess alcohol and act up like fools."
Context of the Ball-Tampering Scandal
In a Test against the Proteas, Steve Smith admitted the Australian "leadership group" formulated a scheme to interfere with the ball.
Ex- opener David Warner taught batsman Cameron Bancroft how to utilize sandpaper to rough up the cricket ball, and he was then caught doing so by TV cameras during play. The two players were also banned together with Smith.
Consequences and Ongoing Response
Steve Smith returned to cricket after the ball-tampering incident in the 2019 Ashes series Test at Edgbaston Stadium and has been jeered repeatedly ever since.
England fans also center jeers on his emotional media appearance in 2018.
"We committed the wrong thing, acknowledge it and progress," Lehmann commented.
"You try to progress the best you can. One faces reminded every day and that is an inevitable part."
"He can walk tall with how he handles the situation."
"The English fans should be more respectful than that. Many act that way and are quite encouraging of the proceedings in the cricket."
