Lehmann Slams England Fans for Abuse Directed at Smith
Smith has appeared in 38 games facing England and scored over 3,400 runs.
England supporters need to act better compared to the taunts they hurl at Australian batsman Steve Smith, states ex- manager Darren Lehmann.
Steve Smith, 36 years old, has regularly been a frequent focus of shouts and taunts from England fans following his participation in the 2018's ball-tampering controversy.
Smith was removed as skipper and barred for a year while Lehmann, who was found not guilty of any offense, quit as head coach in the wake of the incident.
"The taunts you get is daily," Lehmann stated. "It is unbelievable."
"Smith is competing daily. It must be worse for him."
"In England they just refuse to forget. It is like they have ever done anything wrong in their existence."
"It is only the individuals that drink too much and act up like pork chops."
History of the Ball-Altering Scandal
In a Test against the Proteas, Smith acknowledged the Australian "team leadership" created a scheme to alter the cricket ball.
Former opener David Warner showed batsman Cameron Bancroft how to utilize sandpaper to rough up the cricket ball, and Bancroft was then discovered doing so by broadcast cameras during play. The two players were also suspended in addition to Steve Smith.
Aftermath and Continued Reaction
Smith came back after the ball-altering episode in the 2019 Ashes Test at Edgbaston Stadium and has been taunted consistently ever since.
English fans also base jeers on his tearful media appearance in 2018.
"We made the error, acknowledge it and get past it," Lehmann stated.
"One strives to progress the as well as possible. We receive brought back daily and this is part and parcel."
"He can be proud with how he handles the situation."
"The English fans should be improved than that. Many are and are very supportive of the proceedings in the sport."
