In what can only be described as a tense and emotionally charged Ashes 2023 series, England’s cricketing crowds have not held back in their passionate support for the home team. However, the behavior of some fans towards Australian players Steve Smith and David Warner has come under scrutiny, prompting former Aussie spinner Kerry O’Keefe to speak out against the relentless mocking.
From the moment the Ashes battle commenced, the duo has been a constant target for ridicule and taunts. The infamous ‘Bazball’ revolution, which sought to create a livelier and more entertaining atmosphere in the stadiums, seemed to have inadvertently fostered an environment where jeering and mockery were directed towards the opposition’s star players.
Smith, who had previously faced the wrath of English crowds following the Sandpapergate scandal, has been persistently reminded of his emotional press conference and the loss of his Australian captaincy. The English fans have not shown any mercy in bringing up painful memories, and their behavior has left many questioning their sportsmanship and class.
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O’Keefe expressed his disappointment and concern over the treatment of Smith and Warner by the English crowds. He questioned whether crowd at The Oval, where fifth and final Test will be played, would rise to acknowledge the legendary careers of the Australian duo, appreciating their significant contributions to many memorable Ashes battles, or the booing and mocking would persist till the very end.
“The English crowds have been beastly to him and Steve Smith four or five years now. I’m very interested in the reaction at the Oval when they both walk off for the last time in England Will The Oval crowd rise to them as they did to Smith in 2019 to accept that this has been a dangerous opponent for a number of Ashes series, or will they continue to boo?” said O’Keefe on Fox Sports’ The Back Page.
O’Keefe also drew parallels between the English cricket crowds and the rowdiness seen at football matches in the UK, blaming alcohol-fuelled behaviour for the lack of respect towards the opposition. He emphasized that the relentless mockery of Smith and Warner was not in the spirit of sportsmanship and urged the fans to show appreciation for their talent and achievements.
“The alcohol rains at England cricket grounds and they disrespect the opposition. It’s not the Barmy Army, it’s a soccer crowd mentality there now. I’ve been so disappointed in the crowds, they’ve mocked Steve Smith forever, they sing to him ‘we saw you crying on the telly’. They give Dave a hard time,” he added.
