With ICC World Cup 2019 fast-approaching, Australian chief coach Justin Langer is pretty much convinced that his wards – Steven Smith and David Warner are ready to face riling English crowd this summer.
Well, England and Australia’s game is scheduled for June 25 at the Lord’s. Langer himself maintained the duo are ready to face harsh taunts when the World Cup begins on May 30 in London.
It’s evident that the Ashes rivals have been taking on each other in the recent past. To atop it, fans have also confronted each other. Meanwhile, the Barmy Army has already taken a jibe at the players including Cameron Bancroft, who was involved in the infamous ‘Sandpapergate’.
Besides, Smith and Warner have made a return for the national team with the call-up in the recently-announced 15-man World Cup squad. Earlier, the ban was lifted on March 29 which further saw the duo featuring in the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Warner is hungry for runs: Langer
Warner claimed an Orange Cap by accumulating 692 runs in 12 matches. Whereas, Smith has done a decent job for the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
“Dave’s got that look on his eye, he’s really hungry, he’s a great player as we all know, he’s so dynamic, he brings so much energy, and that’s what we ask from our players. Warner always brings energy to the contest. It’s really nice to have him back,” AFP quoted Langer following the first training session of the Kangaroos.
Langer further revealed Smith has been doing well with the bat. He added it is fascinating to see Smith back in the fold after watching him bat during the practice games against New Zealand A in Brisbane.
“As a batsman it’s brilliant. I watched Steve Smith batting against New Zealand in those three practice games. He’s literally a master of the game, so it’s nice to have him back,” delighted Langer added.
Cape Town ball-tampering episode:
Meanwhile, the ball-tampering incident in March 2018 during the Cape Town Tests has drawn ire. So much so, many voiced their opinion on banning the cricketers for the lifetime.
Thus, the pressure on Cricket Australia mounted which eventually led to the 12-month suspension of Smith and Warner each. However, Bancroft has served the -month ban.
Concurrently, as Australians are training in England, Langer admits the fact that it is not in their hands to control the crowd. He added that things might flare-up in between, but equally states it won’t be of that extent which took place last year.
“We can’t control the crowd. What I do know? It may ramp up, it may heat up, but it won’t be any hotter than it was twelve months ago. I’ve never seen anything like it so the boys are very well prepared. They’ve paid a heavy price. And we’re always expecting to come here and to face the fire and we’re ready for that,” Langed stated.
Smith, Warner are human beings, Langer appeals:
Langer followed it up by saying ‘human is an err’ and people must understand the situation. Meanwhile, Australian management has embraced the duo who has further faced a torrid time in the last 12 months.
“What we’ve got to understand is that they’re human beings as well. There’s not too many I’ve met in my life who like being booed or heckled or disliked so they’re human beings,” Langer said.
The 48-year-old Langer maintained they’re supposed to take care of their premium batsmen. He revealed they’ve to make them comfortable. He added it’s beyond their reach when things are being said over social media. But he has made it clear that they will monitor the players. Adding, they will make it sure that they’re not facing an untoward situation while being as professionals.
“We’re going to have to care for them. But what people say, whether it’s in the crowd or social media or wherever there’s nothing they can do about that they can’t control it. But what we can do is keep an eye on them and make sure they’re going ok as people as much as cricketers,” Langer concluded.
The Kangaroos will begin their campaign on June 1st when they will face Afghanistan in Bristol.