Advertisement

Steve Smith brutally trolled by English crowd amid Ashes drama

The English crowd didn't hold back when Steve Smith approached the boundary.

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Steve Smith reacts to the English crowd chant and Smith fielding on the boundary.
Cricket fans have been left divided over whether the Barmy Army's trolling of Steve Smith (pictured left) crossed the line or was all a part of the game. (Images: BBC/twitter)

The vocal Edgbaston crowd has finally got their chance to let rip at batter Steve Smith after he was sent to field in front of the 'Hollies' and it sparked a rather controversial cricket chant from the locals. Smith and teammate David Warner have been targets for the English crowd ever since their ban from Australian cricket due to the sandpaper incident in 2018.

Smith and Warner received brutal welcomes during the 2019 Ashes series, which saw crowds boo and taunt the duo whenever they had the chance. And Smith finally was sent to field on the boundary during England's second innings on day 4 with the match evenly poised.

WORRY: Pat Cummins lashed by cricket world over 'pathetic' Ashes tactics

NOT HAPPY: Aussie great calls out English villain after Usman Khawaja spray

ANGER: Cameron Green at centre of brutal Ashes crowd drama

The Birmingham crowd were in full voice in a brilliant atmosphere at Edgbaston. However, depending on whether you think it crosses the line or not, the crowd then saw the opportunity to mock Smith over his well-broadcasted interview in 2018 after returning home from the cricket scandal.

Australia watched as then-captain Smith broke down in tears upon his return home after the ball-tampering scandal made international news. Smith spent time away from cricket after his ban, but has returned to cement himself as the greatest Test batter of his generation.

Furthermore, most fans have forgiven the Aussie batter for the incident. Except the English aren't quick to forget. And in an attempt to get under Smith's skin, the Birmingham locals chanted: "We saw you cry on the telly," to Smith as he fielded near the boundary.

Smith was seen smiling at the chants and seemed to bop along to wave it off. Most English fans would agree the chants are just banter and add to the atmosphere at the ground.

Steve Smith trolling divides cricket fans

However, the same couldn't be said for viewers. Cricket fans around the world were divided on whether the chants had crossed the line over an extremely personal moment for the Aussie cricketer played out in front of the world many years ago.

Steve Smith walking off after being dismissed.
Steve Smith (pictured) was ruthlessly mocked by the English crowd on day 4 of the Ashes. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Others deemed the chants as fair game and all part of the banter that arises during the Ashes as fans attempt to give their nation an edge and get under their opponents' skin.

Unfortunately for Smith, he wasn't able to reply the best way he knows how. The mercurial batter was out for just six after England villain Stuart Broad produced a stunning delivery that saw Smith edge the ball behind.

Smith's wicket leaves Australia needing 174 runs on the final day with seven wickets in hand. Usman Khawaja and night watchman Scott Boland are currently in with Australia hoping the opener can replicate his first innings total to help the nation take a 1-0 series lead in the Ashes.

There will be added intrigue on day 5 of the first test with rain forecasted for most of the day. If play continues it could mark a scary passage of play for the Australians as they bat under overcast conditions.

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