Ashes 2019: Scott Morrison condemns booing of Steve Smith

Scott Morrison lashes out at the England fans who booed Steve Smith after his concussion.

Steve Smith walks from the ground after being dismissed in Australia’s second innings. Picture: Getty Images

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has lashed the actions of a group of England supporters who booed Steve Smith after he suffered a concussion during the second Test at Lord’s, describing the move as a “total Ashes foul”.

The batsman was forced to leave the field on Saturday after he was knocked to the ground by a delivery of 144km/h from England fast bowler Jofra Archer.

While many fans gave Smith a standing ovation as he returned to the crease after 92 minutes, others booed and jeered.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Mr Morrison wrote: “A draw for the second test but it was a total Ashes foul for the crowd at Lords to boo Steve Smith. His performance on the pitch during his return to Test Match cricket in the UK demands nothing other than respect.”

The Prime Minister described the former cricket captain as a champion, who had handled the fallout from his role in the ball-tampering scandal with “real humility”.

A draw for the second test but it was a total Ashes foul for the crowd at Lords to boo Steve Smith. His performance on...

Posted by Scott Morrison (ScoMo) on Sunday, 18 August 2019

“I’m extremely proud of Steve Smith, and it’s not just because he comes from the Shire,” Mr Morrison said. “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.”

Despite resuming play after the incident, Smith withdrew from the Test on Sunday after reportedly waking up with a headache and a feeling of grogginess.

We are not at Lord's and we are not booing Steve Smith.

He took a horrible blow to the head, and we wish him the best in his recovery. https://t.co/hEl0lKA0jx

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) August 17, 2019

Australia has been at the forefront of pressing for better safety measures after the death of Phillip Hughes, who was hit in the neck by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield game in 2014.

Following an independent investigation into the tragedy, Cricket Australia introduced new rules for concussion substitutes in domestic games.

England cheer squad — The Barmy Army — also distanced themselves from the chorus of boos.

“We are not at Lord’s and we are not booing Steve Smith,” they wrote. “He took a horrible blow to the head, and we wish him the best in his recovery.”