England's Barmy Army taunt Steve Smith with Ashes chant
England's Barmy Army taunted stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith as he walked to the crease in the first Ashes Test in Perth. Australia began their reply after England were dismissed for 172, despite winning the toss and batting first. Jofra Archer struck early, removing debutant Jake Weatherald in the opening over, which energized the Barmy Army.
Smith has long been a target for England's passionate supporters, delivering numerous standout batting performances that have frustrated the home side. He previously served as Australia captain before being removed following the ball-tampering scandal in March 2018. His tenure ended with an emotional apology broadcast on TV at the time.
The injury to Pat Cummins has given Smith an opportunity to captain Australia again temporarily, though the Barmy Army remained unforgiving. Spectators woke up to Smith arriving at the crease and greeted him with chants of "We saw you cry on the tele." This is not the first time Smith has been cast as the pantomime villain, and more taunts are anticipated throughout the series.
We saw you cry on the tele.
Author’s summary: The first Ashes Test in Perth featured Steve Smith under sharp taunts from England's Barmy Army, highlighting his contentious yet resilient role in the series while Cummins' injury temporarily places him back in captaincy.
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