SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Australia's Smith, Warner ready for hostile crowds at World Cup - Langer

The pair have returned from year-long bans following a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa and are expected to play vital roles in Australia's title defence although they will not be in leadership positions.

Australia's Smith, Warner ready for hostile crowds at World Cup - Langer
(Reuters)

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Skip to article content

Langer is aware the crowd in England could target Smith and Warner in the May 30-July 14 tournament in England and Wales but said public anger will not be as intense as it was.

"We can't control the crowd. What I do know is... it might heat up but I can guarantee it won't be any hotter than it was 12 months ago. I've never seen anything like it," Langer told reporters in London.

"The boys are well prepared. They've paid a heavy price and we're expecting always to come here and to face the fire and we're ready for that.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"They're human beings as well and... there's not too many I've met who like being booed or heckled or disliked. We're going to have to care for them, we're going to have to put an arm around them and make sure they're going okay."

Langer was happy with what he saw of the duo in three unofficial World Cup warm-up matches at home to a New Zealand XI this month, where Smith had unbeaten knocks of 89 and 91 while Warner managed a top score of 39.

"I watched Steve batting... in those three practice games, he's literally a master of the game, so it's nice to have him back," Langer added.

"Dave's got that look on his eye, he's really hungry, he's a great player... he's so dynamic, he brings so much energy, and that's what we ask from our players."

Australia's World Cup opener is against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world