Steve Smith Was Mimicking Chris Rogers Not Jack Leach, Says Justin Langer

Just a few hours after winning the fourth Ashes Test, Australia star Steve Smith and his teammates were slammed by England fans for their classless celebration. The reason behind the criticism was Steve Smith’s act during the celebration. Smith celebrated the win by wearing glasses and many thought that he was mocking England star Jack Leach.

However, Australia head coach Justin Langer has rubbished the claims. Defending his players, the former Australian opener said that Smith was not mimicking Leach but his former teammate Chris Rogers, who last played for Australia in 2015. Just like Leach, Rogers also wears glasses when he used to bat.

“I was there, I know the truth, they were talking about Chris Rogers who was here four years ago,” Langer told reporters on Tuesday.

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“Chris Rogers is a great mate of the squad, that’s what it was about. People can make of it what they like. We can’t do anything of what people make of it.

“Experience tells me when you’re doing well people try and pick holes in you. That’s OK, that’s life. Everyone in this room, around the world, has seen the great spirit the World Cup and this series is played in. People can make of it what they like but that’s the truth,” added Langer.

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— David Coverdale (@dpcoverdale) September 8, 2019

What made things worse for Smith was his actions during the celebration. Smith was seen wearing and rubbing a pair of glasses before shadow batting left-handed in the middle of a team huddle. Leach had famously cleaned his glasses during the famous partnership with Ben Stokes in Headingley. Following the win, Leach had also recreated the one run he had scored during the stand.

England coach Trevor Bayliss also spoke on the celebration. But he too played down the controversy.

“Fake news, like Donald Trump says,” said Bayliss. “No one has mentioned it or spoken about it. It’s all talk from you guys (the media).”

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Meanwhile, Australia took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series and consequently retained the Ashes. The Tim Paine-led side thrashed England by 185 runs to take the lead. This is the first time since 2001 that Australia will be leaving the English shores without losing the Ashes.