England fans destroy Steve Smith with cheat storm chant as Ollie Robinson smirks

20 June 2023 , 10:07

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Steve Smith cried on television in 2018 while apologising for the ball-tampering scandal (Image: ITV)

Ollie Robinson couldn't help but smirk when England fans chanted "we saw you cry on the telly" to Australia's Steve Smith.

England and Australia are set for a nail-biting conclusion to the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Australia go into the final day needing 174 runs to win, while England need seven wickets. Crucially, though, Smith is already back in the shed for the Aussies.

Smith is the greatest Australian batter of his generation and viewed as the man England need to get out if they want to win the Ashes for the first time in eight years. As such, the home fans at Edgbaston did all they could to put Smith off during the first Test.

Just before the start of Australia's second innings, England fans in Edgbaston's iconic Eric Hollies Stand shouted "we saw you cry on the telly" to Smith when he fielded in front of them. The chant was a reference to the Australian ball-tampering scandal.

During a Test match against South Africa in March 2018, Australia's Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper to rough up the ball and make it swing. The plan was devised between Smith, who was Australia's captain at the time, and his vice-captain David Warner.

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The incident was caught on camera, causing international outrage. Smith and Warner were both stripped of their leadership roles and banned for 12 months, although they have since rebuilt their careers and reputations. Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban.

Smith took the banter well (BBC)

Ollie Robinson enjoyed the chant (BBC)

What do you make of the chant from England fans? Let us know in the comments below!

England fans booed Smith and Warner during the 2019 Ashes - their first tour of England after the incident - but the pair have received a much better reputation this year. Nevertheless, spectators in the Hollies still wanted to give Smith some stick on Monday.

As England fans chanted at Smith, the Aussie smiled and started moving his hands to mimic an orchestra conductor. Robinson, who is not afraid of the dark arts after giving Australia's Usman Khawaja a send-off, was batting as Smith was serenaded and smiled.

This year's Ashes series is hotting up to be one of the greatest in recent memory, with an enthralling first Test hanging in the balance. Both sides will be confident of winning at Edgbaston, although the rainy Birmingham weather could spoil the occasion.

Play had been due to start at 11am on Tuesday, but that won't be happening due to heavy rain overnight. An afternoon start is more likely and, due to the bright time of year, there is a very real possibility play could continue to around 8pm to ensure a winning result.

England will be confident of victory after seeing the back of Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner on Monday. First-innings centurion Khawaja is unbeaten on 34, while Australia still Travis Head, Cameron Green and Alex Carey to come.

The next Ashes Test starts at Lord's on Wednesday, June 28. The final three Tests will take place at Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval, with the series due to finish on July 31.

Tom Blow