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'I still cannot believe': England legend Michael Vaughan frustrated by 'extraordinary' Steve Smith booing

Nic Negrepontis
Nic Negrepontis

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English fans have once again booed Steve Smith out onto the field, but this time one of their all-time greats has admonished them for it.

Smith replaced Jake Weatherald, who had just been dismissed, and was met by a drone of boos from the Barmy Army, before Australian fans overpowered the jeers.

The tune "we saw you cry on the tele" also rang out through the Melbourne Cricket Ground in what was a similar reaction to what Smith copped earlier in the series.

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However, this time around the reception for Smith drew the ire of former England skipper Michael Vaughan, who isn't a fan of the disrespect.

Steve Smith booed by English fans during the Boxing Day Test.

Steve Smith booed by English fans during the Boxing Day Test. Fox Cricket

"I still cannot believe there are England fans out there booing Steve Smith," Vaughan told Fox Cricket.

The 36-year-old has been targeted by the Barmy Army all summer, potentially spurred on by his feud with former English spinner Monty Panesar before the series began.

Coming into Boxing Day, Smith has made 104 runs at an average of 52 from just three innings in the series, missing the third Test due to vertigo-like symptoms.

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His former teammate David Warner was equally frustrated by the booing.

"Extraordinary. It's absolutely extraordinary," Warner said.

"There does seem to be more English fans (in Melbourne) than in the (other three Tests). It is the big Test, the Boxing Day Test."

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The captain found himself at the crease earlier than he would have liked, with openers Travis Head and Weatherald dismissed cheaply.

Marnus Labuschagne soon joined them in the sheds after edging a Josh Tongue delivery in what was a drama-filled first hour at the MCG.

Smith then survived a review for caught-behind.

However, he was bowled by Josh Tongue shortly after for nine off 31 balls.

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Australia took a 3-0 lead in the series after Adelaide, retaining the Ashes urn.

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