'Disgrace to the game': Ugly Steve Smith moment angers cricket world
Graeme Swann said anyone who booed Steve Smith and David Warner during Australia’s World Cup clash with England on Tuesday was a “disgrace to the English game.”
And that’s exactly what happened as Smith walked out to bat on the hallowed turf at Lord’s.
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Warner and Smith on Tuesday played their first official match against England since the ball-tampering scandal and 12-month bans, ahead of five Ashes Tests in August and September.
While the reception for Warner was surprisingly tame, Smith was loudly booed as he joined Aaron Finch at the crease early in Australia’s innings.
Boos and jeers were clearly heard as the former Australian captain made his way to the middle, with English fans letting him know they’re still not happy about the ball-tampering scandal.
“If you want to boo, and you want to be boorish and yobbish, don’t go to a sports match,” Swann told ESPN Cricinfo before the match.
“Boorish and yobbish behaviour is the whole reason David Warner will be booed, for being boorish and yobbish.
“If you’re going to turn up and boo, you shouldn’t be here and you’re a disgrace to the English game.”
It also divided fans and pundits on social media.
Lastly, re the fans at Lords & booing Smith and Warner. I don’t like any players being booed in any sport, but if the fans who pay their $$ want to, then they are entitled too - go for it. But do it at your own peril as I know this will not effect them - but could inspire !!!!!!
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) June 25, 2019
It was such a disgrace to see the way English crowd were constantly booing Smith and Warner. They both have served their year ban and now they deserve every bit of respect. #HostileCrowd #AUSvENG
— Rahul Kotekar (@rahul_kotekar) June 25, 2019
At the Eng v Aus game at Lords. England batsman are struggling and yet the fans are booing Smith and Warner at every opportunity! Really bad #notnice #badfanbehaviour #CWC19 #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/2zpV7Z41ST
— Bhawani S Shekhawat (@Jaihotweet) June 25, 2019
Keep booing Smith please poms #CWC19 #ENGvAUS
— Simon Leon (@SimonLe57823984) June 25, 2019
Good to hear the Lord’s crowd booing the cheat Smith as he comes to the middle #ENGAUS
— davejoyner (@davejoyner) June 25, 2019
How did booing Warner & Smith go for you #poms? #ICCWorldCup2019 #ICCCWC2019 #ENGvAUS
— Staggy (@staggy33) June 25, 2019
Great to see England fans booing Smith today. Never forget. Every time they play #AusvsEng
— Neil Bonnar (@NeilBonnarBN) June 25, 2019
‘Entitled to have their view’
England captain Eoin Morgan earlier said it's up to fans to decide whether they want to accept Smith and Warner again.
Fan behaviour is again in the spotlight after England opener Jonny Bairstow accused Australia of hypocrisy on the matter in a newspaper column.
They were jeered throughout a warm-up match against the World Cup hosts in Southampton last month, with Smith even booed as he reached three figures.
The pair has been generally well received over the past fortnight though, with India captain Kohli even telling his own fans to cheer the former Australian captain and vice-captain.
But Morgan refused to follow suit, saying fans are within their rights to voice their opinions.
"You don't know how sports fans are going to react. I think they are entitled to have their own view," Morgan said.
"Just because punishment was handed out and the two guys served their punishment, doesn't mean they are going to be accepted back into the cricket community straightaway with open arms.
"It will take time."
After captain Aaron Finch hit an even 100 to lead Australia to 7-285, Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc took nine of England's 10 wickets to roll them for 221 in reply.
Tuesday's result guaranteed Australia a semi-finals spot and left England's hopes in doubt, sitting fourth with two big games to play after entering the tournament as favourites.
with AAP