Darren Lehmann Condemns England Supporters for Taunts Aimed at Smith
Smith has played 38 matches against England and notched 3,436 career runs.
England fans should be better compared to the jeers they direct at Australian batsman Smith, remarks former manager Darren Lehmann.
Smith, 36 years old, has become a frequent recipient of shouts and taunts from England supporters following his involvement in the 2018's ball-tampering incident.
Smith lost his position as skipper and banned for a year while Darren Lehmann, who was found not guilty of any misconduct, resigned as coach following the incident.
"The abuse you receive is every day," Lehmann said. "This is incredible."
"Smith is performing constantly. It would be tougher for him."
"In England they just don't forget. It seems they have never committed an error in their lives."
"It's mainly the people that overindulge and behave like pork chops."
Background of the Ball-Tampering Episode
During a Test against South Africa, Steve Smith admitted the Australian "leadership group" devised a scheme to alter the cricket ball.
Former opener David Warner instructed batter Bancroft how to utilize sandpaper to damage the cricket ball, and Bancroft was then discovered doing so by TV cameras during the match. The two players were also banned together with Steve Smith.
Consequences and Ongoing Reaction
Steve Smith returned to cricket following the ball-altering scandal in the 2019 Ashes match at Edgbaston Stadium and has been jeered frequently from then on.
England supporters also center jeers on his emotional media appearance in 2018.
"We made the wrong thing, accept it and progress," Darren Lehmann commented.
"You try to move on the to the fullest. One faces recalled every day and that is a natural aspect."
"He can hold his head high with how he handles all of it."
"England's Barmy Army ought to be more respectful than that. Many are indeed and are largely positive of what goes on in the game."
