Australia opener David Warner is braced for a hostile reception but hopes fans will show "respect" as he and Steve Smith return to South Africa for the first time since the 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal that rocked world cricket.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-receives-allan-border-medal-redeems-his-2018-ban-280000" hreflang="en">After ball-tampering ban, David Warner receives Allan Border medal</a>

The last time the pair played in South Africa, almost two years ago, they were sent home in disgrace for attempting to alter the ball with sandpaper during a Cape Town Test. It cost them 12-month suspensions and for Warner, a lifetime leadership ban.

They have since resurrected their careers and are all but forgiven at home, with Warner this week winning a vote by players, officials and media to claim Australian cricket's highest honour, the Allan Border Medal&nbsp;with Smith placed second.

But both players were constantly booed and jeered during last year's one-day World Cup and Ashes series in England, and they are expected to receive similar treatment in South Africa.

<h6><img alt="xa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="343616f8-98b4-4ea7-ab75-331948411190" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_67.jpg" /> 
Steve Smith and David Warner in a press conference after Sandpaper Gate | AFP</h6>

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The batsmen are both in the Australian squad for three Twenty20s and three ODIs beginning February 21. Their T20 on February 26 will mark the tourists' first match at Newlands since the 2018 scandal.

"For me personally, it won't be hard at all," Warner told Sydney radio station 2GB this week. "I just go there and I've got a job to do and that's to score runs and win games for Australia and put us in a good position."

But he added that "obviously, it's going to be very hostile".&nbsp;

"I copped it in England; I actually enjoyed that and played along with it.

"Hopefully, we're showed some respect when we go over to Africa and the things that happen in the past stay there."

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said he had no concerns about how Warner and Smith would handle their reception.

"Steve and Dave have ticked off pretty much every box since coming back," the seamer told reporters.

"It's just another one of those and I don't think it'll faze them one bit. They probably play better when it's like this. It's nothing we haven't experienced before... we'll be fine."

Australia will be using the tour to fine-tune preparations for the T20 World Cup on home soil in October -- the only major cricketing trophy the men's team has yet to win.

But they will be without explosive batting star Glenn Maxwell, who pulled out this week to have arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow.

Equally dangerous batsman and wrist-spinner D'Arcy Short, who has been overlooked for a year, has replaced him in both formats.&nbsp;

Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade and all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who last played limited-overs internationals in 2017 and 2018 respectively, returned to the squads, led by Aaron Finch.

"If you look at our squad selections over the last couple of months, it's all been pretty consistent," said Finch.

"There hasn't been a huge amount of risk-taking in our selections, so we've got confidence in the 14 guys in South Africa that potentially they can take us forward to the T20 World Cup."

Australia ODI squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, D'Arcy Short, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, D'Arcy Short, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Australia opener David Warner is braced for a hostile reception but hopes fans will show "respect" as he and Steve Smith return to South Africa for the first time since the 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal that rocked world cricket.

Australia opener David Warner is braced for a hostile reception but hopes fans will show "respect" as he and Steve Smith return to South Africa for the first time since the 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal that rocked world cricket. Also read: After ball-tampering ban, David Warner receives Allan Border medal The last time the pair played in South Africa, almost two years ago, they were sent home in disgrace for attempting to alter the ball with sandpaper during a Cape Town Test. It cost them 12-month suspensions and for Warner, a lifetime leadership ban. They have since resurrected their careers and are all but forgiven at home, with Warner this week winning a vote by players, officials and media to claim Australian cricket's highest honour, the Allan Border Medal with Smith placed second. But both players were constantly booed and jeered during last year's one-day World Cup and Ashes series in England, and they are expected to receive similar treatment in South Africa. Steve Smith and David Warner in a press conference after Sandpaper Gate | AFP The batsmen are both in the Australian squad for three Twenty20s and three ODIs beginning February 21. Their T20 on February 26 will mark the tourists' first match at Newlands since the 2018 scandal. "For me personally, it won't be hard at all," Warner told Sydney radio station 2GB this week. "I just go there and I've got a job to do and that's to score runs and win games for Australia and put us in a good position." But he added that "obviously, it's going to be very hostile". "I copped it in England; I actually enjoyed that and played along with it. "Hopefully, we're showed some respect when we go over to Africa and the things that happen in the past stay there." Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said he had no concerns about how Warner and Smith would handle their reception. "Steve and Dave have ticked off pretty much every box since coming back," the seamer told reporters. "It's just another one of those and I don't think it'll faze them one bit. They probably play better when it's like this. It's nothing we haven't experienced before... we'll be fine." Australia will be using the tour to fine-tune preparations for the T20 World Cup on home soil in October -- the only major cricketing trophy the men's team has yet to win. But they will be without explosive batting star Glenn Maxwell, who pulled out this week to have arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow. Equally dangerous batsman and wrist-spinner D'Arcy Short, who has been overlooked for a year, has replaced him in both formats. Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade and all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who last played limited-overs internationals in 2017 and 2018 respectively, returned to the squads, led by Aaron Finch. "If you look at our squad selections over the last couple of months, it's all been pretty consistent," said Finch. "There hasn't been a huge amount of risk-taking in our selections, so we've got confidence in the 14 guys in South Africa that potentially they can take us forward to the T20 World Cup." Australia ODI squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, D'Arcy Short, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, D'Arcy Short, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Warner, Smith braced for 'very hostile' South Africa crowds after cheating scandal

Australia's cricket union Sunday slammed fans at Lord's for booing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-steve-smith-retires-hurt-after-being-hit-by-jofra-archer-bouncer-243695">Steve Smith after he was felled by a bouncer from fast bowler Jofra Archer</a>, saying the sport deserves better.

The star batsman collapsed face forward after a sickening blow to the side of the neck and head when on 80 during Australia's first innings of the second Ashes Test against England on Saturday.

He was eventually able to walk off the field for concussion checks to a standing ovation after another gritty performance.&nbsp;

But when he returned some fans booed him, mirroring the treatment he has received from sections of the crowd in England keen to remind him of his 12-month ban for ball-tampering.

The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), which represents players, said it was wrong to hurl abuse at an injured player.

"Cricket deserves much better than that. And Lord's, the home of cricket, deserves much better than that also," president Greg Dyer and chief executive Alistair Nicholson said in a joint statement.&nbsp;

"What we witnessed was bravery from an outstanding young man. It should be commended not vilified.

"Over the English summer, generally the crowds have been terrific and really added to the contest. But when someone is hurt, yet the boos continue, it's time to call 'enough'."

Several former Australian greats also condemned the behaviour with Ian Healy calling it "disgusting" while Mark Taylor said it was "very disappointing".

While angry at Smith's treatment by some fans, the ACA applauded the decision by medics to insist the 30-year-old leave the field for concussion checks, a protocol pushed by Australia following the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014.

Hughes, a former team-mate of Smith's, died after being hit by a bouncer in a domestic Sheffield Shield match in Sydney.

"The events at Lord's show the importance of the concussion protocols which have been developed in Australia over the last few years," it said.

"Administrators in Australia working with the ACA and now the ICC have done a good job in putting the protocols in place. Plainly, they are necessary to protect the players who are struck.

"Let's remind ourselves -- this is a workplace for these players," it added. "The reality is that cricket can be a dangerous sport, especially when the bowling is as ferocious as it has been in this series.

"To see the protocols practised at Lord's overnight was important and correct."

While Smith was wearing a helmet it did not have the additional neck protection that was introduced after Hughes died, which remains optional.

Australia coach Justin Langer said after Saturday's scare that he can see a time when it becomes mandatory.

Australia's cricket union Sunday slammed fans at Lord's for booing Steve Smith after he was felled by a bouncer from fast bowler Jofra Archer, saying the sport deserves better.

Australia's cricket union Sunday slammed fans at Lord's for booing Steve Smith after he was felled by a bouncer from fast bowler Jofra Archer, saying the sport deserves better. The star batsman collapsed face forward after a sickening blow to the side of the neck and head when on 80 during Australia's first innings of the second Ashes Test against England on Saturday. He was eventually able to walk off the field for concussion checks to a standing ovation after another gritty performance. But when he returned some fans booed him, mirroring the treatment he has received from sections of the crowd in England keen to remind him of his 12-month ban for ball-tampering. The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), which represents players, said it was wrong to hurl abuse at an injured player. "Cricket deserves much better than that. And Lord's, the home of cricket, deserves much better than that also," president Greg Dyer and chief executive Alistair Nicholson said in a joint statement. "What we witnessed was bravery from an outstanding young man. It should be commended not vilified. "Over the English summer, generally the crowds have been terrific and really added to the contest. But when someone is hurt, yet the boos continue, it's time to call 'enough'." Several former Australian greats also condemned the behaviour with Ian Healy calling it "disgusting" while Mark Taylor said it was "very disappointing". While angry at Smith's treatment by some fans, the ACA applauded the decision by medics to insist the 30-year-old leave the field for concussion checks, a protocol pushed by Australia following the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014. Hughes, a former team-mate of Smith's, died after being hit by a bouncer in a domestic Sheffield Shield match in Sydney. "The events at Lord's show the importance of the concussion protocols which have been developed in Australia over the last few years," it said. "Administrators in Australia working with the ACA and now the ICC have done a good job in putting the protocols in place. Plainly, they are necessary to protect the players who are struck. "Let's remind ourselves -- this is a workplace for these players," it added. "The reality is that cricket can be a dangerous sport, especially when the bowling is as ferocious as it has been in this series. "To see the protocols practised at Lord's overnight was important and correct." While Smith was wearing a helmet it did not have the additional neck protection that was introduced after Hughes died, which remains optional. Australia coach Justin Langer said after Saturday's scare that he can see a time when it becomes mandatory.

Australia cricket union condemns boos after Steve Smith felled by Jofra Archer

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year.

Ponting, however, added that there won't be any internal hostility towards the former captain and vice-captain.

The two were banned for a period of 12 months for their in the aftermath of ball tampering incident against South Africa in Cape Town.&nbsp;

"I don't think it is much of a challenge internally around the players," Ponting told cricket.com.au.&nbsp;

"You'd like to think that those guys are having conversations now, so they're not leaving it to the last minute and just be exposed to this thing that could be derailing to a team.

"I'm sure this would have been talked about at a higher level for a long time - how do we integrate them back in? How do they fit in? How is it all going to be seamless?

"But the hardest part for those guys is going to be the public perception of us, especially in England. They`re coming back into a World Cup in the UK - they shouldn`t be expecting too many pats on the back over there," he said.

"They`re going to cop it everywhere they go. They`ve got to know that, they`ve got to accept that and understand that.

"The team needs to as well, because that could also be something that could be unsettling for a team," he added.

Despite their bans getting over before the fourth ODI in Dubai, the two&nbsp;weren't named in Australia's final World Cup buildup in the UAE, an upcoming five-match series against Pakistan,

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year.

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year. Ponting, however, added that there won't be any internal hostility towards the former captain and vice-captain. The two were banned for a period of 12 months for their in the aftermath of ball tampering incident against South Africa in Cape Town. "I don't think it is much of a challenge internally around the players," Ponting told cricket.com.au. "You'd like to think that those guys are having conversations now, so they're not leaving it to the last minute and just be exposed to this thing that could be derailing to a team. "I'm sure this would have been talked about at a higher level for a long time - how do we integrate them back in? How do they fit in? How is it all going to be seamless? "But the hardest part for those guys is going to be the public perception of us, especially in England. They`re coming back into a World Cup in the UK - they shouldn`t be expecting too many pats on the back over there," he said. "They`re going to cop it everywhere they go. They`ve got to know that, they`ve got to accept that and understand that. "The team needs to as well, because that could also be something that could be unsettling for a team," he added. Despite their bans getting over before the fourth ODI in Dubai, the two weren't named in Australia's final World Cup buildup in the UAE, an upcoming five-match series against Pakistan,

Steve Smith, David Warner return won't be easy, believes Ricky Ponting

Steve Smith and David Warner could be in line for an immediate return to the Australian team when their bans expire midway through the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The five-match Pakistan series will be held from March 22-31, Pakistan's Cricket Board said.

Smith and Warner, who were banned for their roles in last year's Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, are eligible for selection again on March 29, meaning they can be called up for the fourth ODI against Pakistan.

Australia face Pakistan in the first ODI in Sharjah on March 22, with the second match scheduled for two days later at the same venue.

The teams will then move to Abu Dhabi for the third match on March 27, with the final two games in Dubai on March 29 and 31.

The confirmation of dates for the Pakistan series also gives Australian players with lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts a measure of clarity, as players called up for the series will not be immediately released for the IPL.

The 2019 season of the IPL is scheduled to begin late March, with Australian players selected for the Pakistan series expected to be unavailable until April 2 at the earliest.

Steve Smith and David Warner could be in line for an immediate return to the Australian team when their bans expire midway through the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Steve Smith and David Warner could be in line for an immediate return to the Australian team when their bans expire midway through the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. The five-match Pakistan series will be held from March 22-31, Pakistan's Cricket Board said. Smith and Warner, who were banned for their roles in last year's Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, are eligible for selection again on March 29, meaning they can be called up for the fourth ODI against Pakistan. Australia face Pakistan in the first ODI in Sharjah on March 22, with the second match scheduled for two days later at the same venue. The teams will then move to Abu Dhabi for the third match on March 27, with the final two games in Dubai on March 29 and 31. The confirmation of dates for the Pakistan series also gives Australian players with lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts a measure of clarity, as players called up for the series will not be immediately released for the IPL. The 2019 season of the IPL is scheduled to begin late March, with Australian players selected for the Pakistan series expected to be unavailable until April 2 at the earliest.

Steve Smith, David Warner bans to end during Pakistan ODI series

Australia's limited overs captain Aaron Finch feels the banned duo of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=steve+smith">Steve Smith</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=david+warner">David Warner</a> will be "welcomed back with open arms" despite doubts that the former vice-captain may be dumped.&nbsp;

Smith and Cameron Bancroft recently opened up about the infamous <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=ball+tampering">ball tampering incident</a> that shook world cricket in March. The duo made it clear in their recent interviews that Warner was the instigator of the ill-fated plan in Cape Town.&nbsp;

Some ex-players including former captain Ricky Ponting interpreted the comments as effectively making Warner the fall guy with Michael Slater saying that it would be difficult for the explosive left-hander to return to the team.&nbsp;

"When Davey and Steve are ready to be allowed to come back and play cricket for Australia and their states I think from my point of view, they'll be welcomed back with open arms," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au.&nbsp;

Finch added that both Smith and Warner would earn their Australian recalls when they return in three months.&nbsp;

"Whatever's happened, has happened. The punishment has been dealt. They've been working really hard off the field to meet every criteria, and go above and beyond everything that has been asked of them, to come back and play international cricket again," he said.&nbsp;

Smith and former vice-captain Warner were handed year-long international bans for their role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months and is due to make a return on Saturday.&nbsp;

Asked if the Australian players have discussed the issue, Finch said: "There hasn't been any chat about it in the changeroom at all to be fair."&nbsp;

Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts had also stated that they had no plans of dumping Warner despite the recent unflattering statements by his two teammates

Australia's limited overs captain Aaron Finch feels the banned duo of Steve Smith and David Warner will be "welcomed back with open arms" despite doubts that the former vice-captain may be dumped.

Australia's limited overs captain Aaron Finch feels the banned duo of Steve Smith and David Warner will be "welcomed back with open arms" despite doubts that the former vice-captain may be dumped. Smith and Cameron Bancroft recently opened up about the infamous ball tampering incident that shook world cricket in March. The duo made it clear in their recent interviews that Warner was the instigator of the ill-fated plan in Cape Town. Some ex-players including former captain Ricky Ponting interpreted the comments as effectively making Warner the fall guy with Michael Slater saying that it would be difficult for the explosive left-hander to return to the team. "When Davey and Steve are ready to be allowed to come back and play cricket for Australia and their states I think from my point of view, they'll be welcomed back with open arms," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au. Finch added that both Smith and Warner would earn their Australian recalls when they return in three months. "Whatever's happened, has happened. The punishment has been dealt. They've been working really hard off the field to meet every criteria, and go above and beyond everything that has been asked of them, to come back and play international cricket again," he said. Smith and former vice-captain Warner were handed year-long international bans for their role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months and is due to make a return on Saturday. Asked if the Australian players have discussed the issue, Finch said: "There hasn't been any chat about it in the changeroom at all to be fair." Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts had also stated that they had no plans of dumping Warner despite the recent unflattering statements by his two teammates

Steve Smith and David Warner will be welcomed back with open arms, says Aaron Finch

Australia have for the first time named two Test cricket vice-captains -- all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood -- as they look to move on from a major cheating scandal.

The pair were chosen to back up captain Tim Paine via an unprecedented vote by team members and a final decision made by a panel that included coach Justin Langer and selector Trevor Hohns, Cricket Australia said.

"We believe the new leadership model will best support the captain," Hohns said of the decision to have more than one Test vice-captain for the first time.

"It is a successful model used across various sporting codes around the world.

"Our vision is to create great cricketers and great people, and we are extremely fortunate to have such terrific young men," Hohns said.

Marsh, aged 26, will act as sole vice-captain behind Paine during the two-Test series against Pakistan in Dubai beginning on October 7 because Hazlewood, aged 27, is sidelined by injury.

It will be Australia's first Test tour since the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town which led to one-year suspensions being imposed on captain Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner, who was also banned from ever holding another leadership position.

Hohns indicated the decision to name vice-captains was in part to avoid naming a single person being seen as a likely successor to Paine, who took over from Smith following the scandal when sandpaper was used to alter the condition of the ball.

"It was not a process designed to find the next Australian Test captain, but to find two vice-captains who will support and help drive the team's goals and objectives," he said.

Since the South Africa debacle, Cricket Australia has launched a number of internal reviews aimed at creating a more respectful culture and moving away from the win-at-all-costs mentality blamed for the explosive ball-tampering row.

Australia have for the first time named two Test cricket vice-captains -- all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood -- as they look to move on from a major cheating scandal.

Australia have for the first time named two Test cricket vice-captains -- all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood -- as they look to move on from a major cheating scandal. The pair were chosen to back up captain Tim Paine via an unprecedented vote by team members and a final decision made by a panel that included coach Justin Langer and selector Trevor Hohns, Cricket Australia said. "We believe the new leadership model will best support the captain," Hohns said of the decision to have more than one Test vice-captain for the first time. "It is a successful model used across various sporting codes around the world. "Our vision is to create great cricketers and great people, and we are extremely fortunate to have such terrific young men," Hohns said. Marsh, aged 26, will act as sole vice-captain behind Paine during the two-Test series against Pakistan in Dubai beginning on October 7 because Hazlewood, aged 27, is sidelined by injury. It will be Australia's first Test tour since the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town which led to one-year suspensions being imposed on captain Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner, who was also banned from ever holding another leadership position. Hohns indicated the decision to name vice-captains was in part to avoid naming a single person being seen as a likely successor to Paine, who took over from Smith following the scandal when sandpaper was used to alter the condition of the ball. "It was not a process designed to find the next Australian Test captain, but to find two vice-captains who will support and help drive the team's goals and objectives," he said. Since the South Africa debacle, Cricket Australia has launched a number of internal reviews aimed at creating a more respectful culture and moving away from the win-at-all-costs mentality blamed for the explosive ball-tampering row.

Australia name two Test vice-captains for first time

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