Lehmann Criticises English Fans for Taunts Aimed at Steve Smith
Steve Smith has featured in 38 matches facing England and scored over 3,400 runs.
England crowds need to act better than the jeers they hurl at Australian batter Steve Smith, remarks ex- coach Darren Lehmann.
Steve Smith, 36 years old, has become a common target of songs and boos from English fans following his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
He lost his position as skipper and barred for a full year while Darren Lehmann, who was cleared of any misconduct, quit as manager after the episode.
"The taunts you receive is constant," Lehmann said. "It is unbelievable."
"He is playing every day. It would be more difficult for him."
"Among English crowds they just don't forget. It seems they have ever committed an error in their life."
"It is only the people that overindulge and carry on like fools."
Context of the Ball-Tampering Episode
During a Test match against the Proteas, Steve Smith acknowledged Australia's "team leadership" created a plan to interfere with the ball.
Ex- opener David Warner showed batsman Cameron Bancroft how to employ sandpaper to rough up the ball, and Bancroft was then discovered in the act by TV cameras in the middle of play. Warner and Bancroft were also suspended along with Steve Smith.
Consequences and Ongoing Reaction
Smith came back after the ball-altering episode in the 2019's Ashes series match at Edgbaston and has been jeered repeatedly from then on.
English fans also center jeers on his emotional press conference in 2018.
"We made the mistake, acknowledge it and get past it," Lehmann stated.
"One strives to progress the best you can. We receive brought back constantly and that is a natural aspect."
"He can walk tall with how he deals with the situation."
"England's Barmy Army ought to be more respectful than that. The majority act that way and are very supportive of what goes on in the cricket."
