Former Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann has expressed his disappointment with the manner in which England fans are treating Steve Smith, a key figure in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. According to Lehmann, the abuse directed at Smith is "unbelievable" and highlights a culture of relentless hostility towards him.
Smith, who was banned for a year alongside David Warner and Cameron Bancroft after the incident, has become a regular target of chants and boos from England supporters. Despite his efforts to move on and regain fans' trust, he continues to face verbal abuse during matches.
Lehmann, who cleared himself of wrongdoing in connection with the scandal, believes that Smith is handling the situation better than many of the England fans are treating him. He said: "The abuse you get is daily... It would be worse for him." Lehmann also noted that the English fans' hostility towards Smith is fueled by a sense of grievance and a desire to see him fail.
Smith's treatment at the hands of England fans has been criticized by many, including former Australian cricketer Shane Warne. However, it appears that some fans still harbor resentment towards him, which Lehmann's comments suggest may be unjustified.
Smith, who was banned for a year alongside David Warner and Cameron Bancroft after the incident, has become a regular target of chants and boos from England supporters. Despite his efforts to move on and regain fans' trust, he continues to face verbal abuse during matches.
Lehmann, who cleared himself of wrongdoing in connection with the scandal, believes that Smith is handling the situation better than many of the England fans are treating him. He said: "The abuse you get is daily... It would be worse for him." Lehmann also noted that the English fans' hostility towards Smith is fueled by a sense of grievance and a desire to see him fail.
Smith's treatment at the hands of England fans has been criticized by many, including former Australian cricketer Shane Warne. However, it appears that some fans still harbor resentment towards him, which Lehmann's comments suggest may be unjustified.