Lehmann Criticises England Fans for Taunts Aimed at Smith
Smith has featured in 38 times facing the English team and notched 3,436 career runs.
English crowds ought to improve regarding the taunts they hurl at Australia batsman Steve Smith, states former manager Lehmann.
Steve Smith, 36, has become a common target of shouts and taunts from England fans after his involvement in the 2018's ball-altering controversy.
Smith lost his position as captain and banned for a 12 months while Lehmann, who was exonerated of any offense, resigned as head coach after the event.
"The taunts you face is constant," Darren Lehmann stated. "This is incredible."
"Smith is competing constantly. It must be tougher for him."
"Over in England they just refuse to forget. It is like they have never done anything wrong in their life."
"It's just the ones that consume excess alcohol and act up like idiots."
History of the Ball-Altering Episode
In a Test match versus South Africa, Steve Smith admitted Australia's "team leadership" created a plan to tamper with the ball.
Former opener David Warner showed batsman Bancroft how to utilize abrasive material to scuff up the cricket ball, and he was then caught in the act by TV cameras during the match. Both men were also banned in addition to Smith.
Consequences and Continued Response
Smith returned to cricket following the ball-tampering episode in the 2019's Ashes series match at Edgbaston Stadium and has been booed consistently since.
English supporters also base jeers on his upsetting news conference in 2018.
"We committed the error, acknowledge it and progress," Darren Lehmann commented.
"We attempt to advance the best you can. One faces brought back daily and this is an inevitable part."
"Steve Smith can be proud with how he manages all of it."
"The English fans should be improved than that. Many are and are quite encouraging of the events in the game."
