Australian PM criticises England fans for booing Steve Smith at Lord's

Smith – like David Warner and Cameron Bancroft – has been the subject of almost incessant booing from fans in England since returning from his ban for his part in last year’s ball-tampering scandal

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has criticised English cricket fans for booing Steve Smith after the talismanic batsman was struck on the back of the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer.

Smith left the field after being hit by the delivery from Archer while he was unbeaten on 80 on the fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s.

He later returned to the field after the dismissal of Peter Siddle, before ultimately being dismissed by Chris Woakes for 92.

On his return to the crease, he was greeted by a standing ovation from the vast majority of the Lord’s patrons, though a smattering of pantomime boos remained.

Smith – like David Warner and Cameron Bancroft – has been the subject of almost incessant booing from fans in England since returning from his ban for his part in last year’s ball-tampering scandal.

"A draw for the second Test but it was a total Ashes foul for the crowd at Lords to boo Steve Smith," Mr Morrison wrote on Facebook.

"His performance on the pitch during his return to Test match cricket in the UK demands nothing other than respect. He's a champion and has handled the events of the past year with a real humility.

"I'm extremely proud of Steve Smith, and it's not just because he comes from the Shire," Morrison added – a nod to Smith’s hometown and the area represented by Morrison in Australia’s parliament.

"The crowd could learn a thing or two from Steve Smith and I look forward to him answering his hecklers with bat and ball in hand to bring home the Ashes."

^{Marnus Labuschagne replaced Steve Smith in the match as Test cricket's first ever concussion substitute}

The Australian Cricketers’ Association also released a statement following the blow to the neck, praising the sport’s concussion protocols – Smith was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the match after failing a concussion test on Sunday morning, while also criticising those who booed the former Australia captain after being hit.

“The reality is that cricket can be a dangerous sport, especially when the bowling is as ferocious as it has been in this series,” read the statement from ACA president Greg Dyer and chief executive Alistair Nicholson.

“To see the protocols practiced at Lords overnight was important and correct. What was unwelcome and incorrect was the sound of booing of an injured player.

“Cricket deserves much better than that. And Lords, the home of cricket, deserves much better than that also.

“What we witnessed was bravery from an outstanding young man. It should be commended not vilified.

“Over the English summer, generally the crowds have been terrific and really added to the contest. But when someone is hurt, yet the boos continue, it's time to call ‘enough.’

“At any rate, the players have already served the toughest penalties in the history of cricket. Surely it is time to move forward.”

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