The much-anticipated Ashes 2023 is currently underway, and it has not failed to deliver on its promises of intense competition and thrilling moments. While the players battle it out on the field, the passionate crowd in England has been actively involved, adding their own flavour to the spectacle.
In a recent incident, Australian batsman Steve Smith found himself at the centre of attention when the crowd unleashed a chant reminding him of the infamous sandpaper controversy that rocked the cricketing world. Let’s delve into this intriguing episode and its impact on the game.
The Exciting Test Match:
The ongoing first Test of the Ashes has been an enthralling affair, with England currently holding a commanding lead of 261 runs in the second innings, and just two wickets remaining. The match has witnessed breathtaking strokes from the batsmen and exceptional deliveries from the bowlers, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. However, the spectators have shown that they are not content with merely being observers, as they have actively participated in the proceedings, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
The Chant Heard Around Edgbaston:
During Steve Smith’s stint fielding on the boundary line, he found himself the target of a particularly vocal group of spectators. Seizing the opportunity to unsettle the Australian cricketer, they initiated a chant that echoed throughout Edgbaston. The words “we saw you crying on the telly” reverberated, serving as a stark reminder of Smith’s emotional press conference following the sandpaper controversy.
A Painful Reminder:
It was in March 2018 when Steve Smith, along with his teammate David Warner, found themselves embroiled in a ball-tampering scandal during a Test match against South Africa. The incident sent shockwaves through the cricketing community and led to severe consequences for the players involved. Smith, who bore the brunt of the backlash, broke down while addressing the media, adding an emotional dimension to the controversy.
Social Media Reacts:
Unsurprisingly, the crowd’s chant did not go unnoticed by the Twitterati, who swiftly took to social media to express their thoughts and opinions. The incident quickly gained traction, sparking a flurry of discussions and debates. Some hailed the crowd’s creativity and audacity, while others criticised them for bringing up a painful memory and potentially distracting the players from the game at hand.
Conclusion:
The Ashes series has always been a cauldron of intense rivalry and heated exchanges, both on and off the field. The recent chant directed at Steve Smith serves as a stark reminder of the lingering impact of the sandpaper controversy, revealing the passion and involvement of the cricket-loving crowd. As the series continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape the dynamics between the players and the spectators, adding another layer of intrigue to an already captivating contest.
https://twitter.com/TheBarmyArmy/status/1670800376340049923
The Poms still singing “we saw you cry on the Tele” at Smith like he didn’t score 774 runs and retain the ashes for us last time in his return to test cricket. Bunch of clueless wankers in those stands #Ashes2023
— Professor Hoo Jeen Ix (@hoojeenix) June 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/JD_TV_/status/1670800705378975746
https://twitter.com/TomStirk1992/status/1670800585979731974
https://twitter.com/supersi666/status/1670800464869294084
https://twitter.com/LMcKirdy7/status/1670800156168540162
https://twitter.com/SeamusMcafee/status/1670800288586907648
