England's 'classless' act towards Steve Smith after final Ashes Test on English soil

Speaking before the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval, Aussie great Kerry O'Keeffe said it would be interesting to see how the English crowds treated David Warner and Steve Smith given it would likely be the final time they saw the Aussie stars playing Test cricket on English soil. O'Keeffe pointed out that despite some abuse and booing throughout the last Ashes series in England in 2019, spectators at The Oval stood and applauded Smith after his final knock in recognition of his wonderful performance.

Fans have once again targeted Smith and Warner throughout this series, with spectators wearing face-masks of Smith crying and chanting "we saw you cry on telly" in reference to his emotional press conference following the ball-tampering scandal of 2018. But speaking on 'The Back Page', O'Keeffe said he was hoping to see the crowds change their tune once again like they did four years ago.

'NO WAY IN THE WORLD': Ricky Ponting calls for investigation over ball

'CAN'T DO THAT': Cricket fans fume at 'shameful' Ben Stokes act

“The English crowds have been beastly to [Warner] and Steve Smith four or five years now," he said. "I’m very interested in the reaction at The Oval when they both walk off for the last time in England. Will The Oval crowd rise to them as they did to Smith in 2019 to accept that this has been a dangerous opponent for a number of Ashes series, or will they continue to boo?”

Unfortunately for Smith it was the latter. While Warner earned a standing ovation as he made his way from the field after scoring 60 on Sunday, Smith copped some boos from the relentless English fans. While some did applaud the former Aussie captain, boos could be heard ringing out as Smith made his way back to the dressing room.

Working against Smith was the fact that Alex Carey was coming to the middle to replace him, with fans probably targeting him as well. Carey became Enemy No.1 in England after his controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow in the second Test at Lord's.

Either way, viewers were left unimpressed with the crowd's treatment of Smith given it was likely his final Test match on English soil. While Smith had earlier moved to reject suggestions he would retire after the series, it's unlikely he will be back the next time the Ashes takes place in England in 2027.

One fan wrote on Twitter: "Couldn't even clap Smith off for his last Ashes dig in England, had to booo him. Classless." Another added: "Imagine booing off the greatest batter of his generation after what might be his last ever innings in your country. Stay classy England." While a third wrote: "Shame on anyone who booed Steve Smith."

Steve Smith shoots down retirement speculation

While Warner has definitely played his final Test on English soil after announcing he will retire at the end of the Aussie summer, Smith is playing his cards closer to his chest. However the 34-year shot down 'whispers' that had been reported by Michael Vaughan that he would retire immediately after the fifth Test.

"I'm not retiring," he said last week. "I have no idea (where it's come from), because I haven't said it to anyone. I am not going anywhere yet."

Smith made 54 on Sunday as Australia collapsed and lost the series finale by 49 runs. The Aussies looked to be on the cusp of a historic victory with Smith and Travis Head at the crease, requiring 120 for the win with seven wickets in hand.

But it all came undone as Australia lost 4-11 in the space of 19 balls before losing their last seven wickets for 70. The win for England salvaged a 2-2 series draw and denied Australia their first series win on English soil since 2001.

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.