Steve Smith insists Australia are NOT bothered by 'cheaters' label
Bring on the boos! Steve Smith insists Australia are NOT bothered by ‘cheaters’ label despite furore surrounding Jonny Bairstow stumping as tourists ready themselves for hostile atmosphere at Headingley
- Steve Smith is not bothered about Australia being labelled ‘cheaters’
- Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal has ignited this summer’s Ashes series
- OLIVER HOLT: Pat Cummins lacked courage at Lord’s after Bairstow stumping
Australia constantly being labelled as cheats by English crowds does not bother Steve Smith, as further hostilities await at Headingley.
The fallout from the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow in the second Test has dominated conversations following Australia’s 43-run win at Lord’s, with emotions running high on both sides.
Even before Sunday’s incident, Australia’s players were regularly accused of cheating by England crowds in chants belted out by the Barmy Army.
That animosity towards the tourists went into overdrive on day five in London, with players sworn at and labelled cheats as they walked through the Lord’s long room.
Three members have since been suspended, as investigations into the uproar continue.
Steve Smith insists Australia do not care if they are labelled ‘cheaters’
Jonny Bairstow’s controversial stumping has divided opinion following the Lord’s Test
Australia have continued to defend the dismissal of Bairstow, arguing it was well within the rules to stump the England star when he walked out of his crease after ducking a ball.
But it is unlikely the locals will see it that way at Headingley – where Bairstow is a local favourite – come day one of the crucial third Test on Thursday.
Smith has traditionally borne the brunt of abuse from England fans in recent years, with the Barmy Army repeatedly trying to reopen the scars of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
He is still booed every time he walks out to bat in England, despite Australia leading a largely drama-free existence in the five years since the ‘sandpapergate’ incident in Cape Town.
Smith on Monday insisted he was not concerned by the continual questions over Australia’s character.
‘It doesn’t bother me,’ Smith said ahead of his 100th Test.
‘Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I know the person I am, I know how I want to go about things.
‘I am out here playing my game and for my country. Everyone can say what they like, it doesn’t bother me. I am comfortable in my own skin.’
Smith has spoken of his own challenges following the ball-tampering scandal, including falling out of love with the game while battling an injured elbow during his subsequent year-long ban.
He said he would happily assist captain Pat Cummins through the current furore if needed, after claims from England that Australia had breached the spirit of cricket under the quick’s leadership.
Australia have worked hard to clean their image after Smith was involved in sandpapergate
But he insists his teammates will not be unsettled in a hostile atmosphere at Headingley
‘If he wants to talk about it (I’m here),’ Smith said.
‘He is pretty comfortable in his own skin, he is happy with everything.
‘Any of the guys, if anyone wants to talk about anything, I have been through a lot and had the experiences. My door is always open.’
Australia will rally around Alex Carey in the aftermath of the Lord’s drama, with the wicketkeeper certain to be a target for disgruntled supporters after effecting Bairstow’s dismissal.
‘He’s one of the guys we’ll get around,’ Cummins said.
‘But these kind of moments can really strengthen a side. Kez (Carey) has had another fantastic game, he’s broken some records … he’s been fantastic behind the wickets.
‘We’ll look after him.’
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