🔗 Share this article

English supporters should be better compared to the taunts they direct at Australian batsman Steve Smith, remarks former manager Lehmann.

Smith, 36 years old, has regularly been a frequent focus of chants and jeers from English fans following his involvement in the 2018's ball-altering scandal.

Smith was sacked as skipper and barred for a 12 months while Lehmann, who was found not guilty of wrongdoing, resigned as coach in the wake of the event.

"The taunts you face is daily," Darren Lehmann said. "It's unbelievable."

"He is playing every day. It's likely tougher for him."

"In England they just refuse to forget. It is like they have not once made a mistake in their lives."

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

Context of the Ball-Altering Scandal

In a Test versus South Africa, Steve Smith acknowledged Australia's "captain's group" formulated a scheme to interfere with the cricket ball.

Ex- opening batsman Warner taught batsman Cameron Bancroft how to use sandpaper to damage the ball, and he was then discovered carrying it out by television cameras during the match. The two players were also suspended along with Smith.

Consequences and Ongoing Response

Steve Smith came back after the ball-altering episode in the 2019 Ashes series Test at Edgbaston Stadium and has been taunted repeatedly ever since.

English fans also focus jeers on his emotional media appearance in 2018.

"We made the wrong thing, accept it and progress," Lehmann said.

"We attempt to progress the as well as possible. We receive reminded every day and this is an inevitable part."

"Steve Smith can be proud with how he deals with everything."

"The Barmy Army ought to be more respectful than that. Many are indeed and are largely positive of the events in the sport."