Darren Lehmann Criticises England Supporters for Abuse Targeting Smith

England supporters need to act better compared to the abuse they hurl at Australia batsman Steve Smith, remarks ex- coach Lehmann.

Smith, 36, has been a frequent focus of songs and taunts from English supporters following his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering controversy.

Smith was sacked as captain and banned for a full year while Darren Lehmann, who was cleared of any offense, resigned as manager after the episode.

"The abuse you get is every day," Lehmann stated. "This is astonishing."

"He is performing every day. It's likely worse for him."

"Among English crowds they just refuse to forget. It is like they have not once made a mistake in their existence."

"It's just the ones that overindulge and behave like fools."

Background of the Ball-Altering Episode

In a Test match versus the Proteas, Smith admitted Australia's "team leadership" formulated a plan to tamper with the cricket ball.

Ex- opening batsman Warner instructed batsman Bancroft how to employ abrasive material to rough up the cricket ball, and he was then discovered doing so by broadcast cameras during the match. Both men were also banned along with Steve Smith.

Consequences and Ongoing Reaction

Smith made his comeback after the ball-tampering episode in the 2019 Ashes series match at Edgbaston Stadium and has been jeered consistently since.

England fans also focus taunts on his upsetting media appearance in 2018.

"We did the wrong thing, admit it and progress," Darren Lehmann stated.

"We attempt to advance the as well as possible. You get brought back daily and that is part and parcel."

"Steve Smith can hold his head high with how he manages all of it."

"The English fans need to be more respectful than that. The majority act that way and are very supportive of what goes on in the cricket."