Steve Smith brutally trolled by English crowd amid Ashes drama
The English crowd didn't hold back when Steve Smith approached the boundary.
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.
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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.
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.
As a cricket fan I can say that this is something that brings joy to Test cricket. But just imagine Steve Smith batting under heavy sledging and then there is a crowd talking like this.
No offense but as a human it is really pathetic and this should not happen to anyone. #Ashes https://t.co/CUsd5Tfz0e— Aditya Ighe (@Cricketwithadi) June 19, 2023
Barmy Army in mood.. love this. 🤣🤣
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 19, 2023
It's a thing we do in England
And we are good at it
If you go along with it the crowd warms to you,if you don't you get slaughtered
This with Steve Smith is banter— Norvern Monkey (@Yorkist888) June 19, 2023
Shame on English crowd mocking #SteveSmith #Ashes2023 #ENGvsAUS https://t.co/YRbGqTbgfH
— Arbaz Sonde (@beingarbazsonde) June 19, 2023
Disgusting behavior from the English crowd! Steve Smith is a human being and showing emotion shouldn't be mocked. This isn't what cricket is about. Check my bio bro
— 🥟Rucker🥟 (@Rucker074358954) June 19, 2023
I love the English banter. The crowd is awesome. Love the humour of all of their songs. Not so sure that the booing for Steve Smith is necessary though. #TheAshes
— Evie Elliott (@Geness63) June 19, 2023
Really want Smith to bash a century just to shut the mouths of this stupid crowd in Edgbaston. There is surely a limit to that whole saga. I mean how long a player will have to hear the same old things for which they have already been punished? This is unacceptable. https://t.co/oyoi8m0OWY
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) June 19, 2023
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.
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