Darren Lehmann Slams English Supporters for Abuse Aimed at Smith

English fans should be better than the jeers they aim at Australian batter Steve Smith, remarks ex- coach Lehmann.

Smith, 36 years old, has become a frequent focus of songs and jeers from England supporters following his participation in the 2018 ball-altering incident.

Smith lost his position as skipper and banned for a full year while Darren Lehmann, who was found not guilty of any misconduct, resigned as head coach following the episode.

"The taunts you receive is every day," Lehmann remarked. "It is unbelievable."

"Smith is playing constantly. It would be tougher for him."

"In England they just refuse to forget. It's as if they have ever committed an error in their life."

"It's mainly the individuals that drink too much and act up like pork chops."

Background of the Ball-Tampering Incident

In a Test versus the Proteas, Smith admitted Australia's "team leadership" formulated a scheme to alter the cricket ball.

Former opening batsman David Warner showed batsman Bancroft how to use abrasive material to rough up the cricket ball, and Bancroft was then discovered in the act by television cameras during the match. Warner and Bancroft were also suspended together with Smith.

Fallout and Continued Reaction

Smith returned to cricket following the ball-altering episode in the 2019's Ashes match at Edgbaston and has been jeered frequently from then on.

English supporters also base taunts on his upsetting press conference in 2018.

"We did the error, acknowledge it and move on," Darren Lehmann said.

"One strives to progress the to the fullest. One faces recalled every day and this is a natural aspect."

"Smith can walk tall with how he handles everything."

"The Barmy Army ought to be better than that. Most of them act that way and are largely positive of the events in the game."