Darren Lehmann Slams English Supporters for Taunts Targeting Smith

England crowds should be better compared to the abuse they direct at Australia batter Smith, says former manager Lehmann.

Smith, 36 years old, has regularly been a common focus of chants and taunts from English supporters following his role in the 2018's ball-tampering incident.

Smith was removed as captain and banned for a year while Lehmann, who was cleared of wrongdoing, stepped down as head coach in the wake of the episode.

"The taunts you get is daily," Lehmann stated. "This is unbelievable."

"He is competing daily. It would be more difficult for him."

"Among English crowds they just never forget. It seems they have not once done anything wrong in their existence."

"It is only the people that consume excess alcohol and act up like idiots."

History of the Ball-Altering Incident

During a Test versus South Africa, Steve Smith admitted the Australian "captain's group" devised a strategy to alter the cricket ball.

Ex- opening batsman Warner showed batsman Cameron Bancroft how to employ sandpaper to damage the cricket ball, and Bancroft was then caught carrying it out by television cameras during the match. Both men were also banned in addition to Smith.

Fallout and Ongoing Response

Smith made his comeback following the ball-altering episode in the 2019's Ashes series Test at Edgbaston Stadium and has been taunted frequently from then on.

English supporters also center jeers on his upsetting media appearance in 2018.

"We committed the error, accept it and get past it," Darren Lehmann stated.

"You try to advance the best you can. One faces brought back constantly and this is an inevitable part."

"He can hold his head high with how he handles all of it."

"The English fans should be more respectful than that. Most of them act that way and are very supportive of what goes on in the sport."