A large contingent of England supporters shouted "no ball" every time Lee ran into bowl during an eight-over spell as the tourists reached 97 for three at the close in reply to Australia's declared total of 551 for six.

Their chants were in reference to accusations that Lee generates his great pace, which reached speeds of up to 97mph, by throwing the ball despite being cleared by the International Cricket Council two years ago.

The antics clearly upset the Australian team with wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist gesturing to the Barmy Army when Marcus Trescothick gloved Lee behind, twice raising his arms in celebration at the wicket.

But it was Langer who expressed the views of the team and claimed: "I thought they were a disgrace.

"There's no better sight on a cricket field than Brett Lee or any fast bowler running in like that, it's a magnificent sight and if it did help fire Brett up then all the better for us.

"These people stand behind a fence drinking beer with most of them 50 kilos overweight making ridiculous comments. It's easy for someone to say that from behind a fence, they're within their rights because they've paid their money, but there's still some integrity in life I think."