'Ashes foul': Scott Morrison hits out over Steve Smith disgrace

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has publicly condemned England’s treatment of Steve Smith, hitting out at those who booed the Aussie star at Lord’s.

Smith copped a frightening blow on day four of the second Ashes Test, when he misread a Jofra Archer delivery and was struck on the neck.

There was a standing ovation when the 30-year-old walked off the ground, most members of the crowd also stood and applauded when he resumed his knock.

However some opted to boo the batsman, and an MCC member was even kicked out of the Lord’s Long Room after abusing Smith.

According to a report by The Cricketer, the unidentified member called Smith a "cheat and a disgrace" as he made his way back to the Australia dressing room.

A number of cricket greats were left fuming by the treatment, and the Prime Minister has now weighed in.

“A draw for the second test but it was a total Ashes foul for the crowd at Lords to boo Steve Smith,” he wrote on Facebook.

“His performance on the pitch during his return to Test Match cricket in the UK demands nothing other than respect.

“He’s a champion and has handled the events of the past year with a real humility. I’m extremely proud of Steve Smith, and it’s not just because he comes from the Shire.

“The crowd could learn a thing or two from Steve Smith and I look forward to him answering his hecklers with bat and ball in hand to bring home the Ashes.”

Cricket greats slam ‘disgusting’ treatment

Ian Healy slammed the "disgusting" behaviour of a small group of fans who booed.

Healy, who is hosting Nine Network's coverage of the showpiece series, was shocked.

"It was disgusting," Healy said.

"Lord's won't be happy with that either. They don't like any 'yobbo' element of crowd behaviour."

Australian Cricketers' Association bosses Alistair Nicholson and Greg Dyer also went into bat for Smith on Sunday, declaring enough was enough.

"Cricket deserves much better than that. And Lord's, the home of cricket, deserves much better than that also," they said in a joint statement.

"What we witnessed was bravery from an outstanding young man. It should be commended not vilified.

"When someone is hurt, yet the boos continue, it's time to call 'enough.'

"At any rate, the players have already served the toughest penalties in the history of cricket. Surely it is time to move forward."

The Barmy Army, who taunted Smith for his role in the Cape Town cheating scandal throughout the Edgbaston series opener, distanced itself from those booing the stricken superstar.

But paceman Chris Woakes opted against condemning the noise.

"People are entitled to do as they wish, that's up to them and what they feel is necessary," Woakes said.

"What they think as a person is right and wrong. For Steve to come out, having been hit the way he was, does show some courage and character."

Mark Taylor, who is on deck at the home of cricket as a Nine pundit, lashed the booing as "very disappointing".

Shane Warne suggested booing Smith in other instances was one thing but to add insult to injury was not on.

"Just get up, clap and say that's courageous, very brave," Warne said in commentary.

with AAP