BRISTOL: Steve Smith and David Warner will seek redemption on the biggest stage as they re-launch their ODI careers for Australia against Afghanistan at the World Cup on Saturday.

The star batsmen were both banned for a year for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal but they have found form on their return to the international set-up.

Warner was the top run-scorer in the recent Indian Premier League while Smith struck a hundred in a warm-up victory against England last weekend.

The defending champions have endured a tumultuous past year but the Aaron Finch-led side are peaking at the right time and are considered one of the favourites in the 50-over showpiece event.

After edging out hosts India 3-2 in a five-match ODI series in March, Australia welcomed back Smith and Warner with open arms.

But they are not expected to be given an easy ride by English fans, with former captain Smith being booed and called a “cheat” during the England warm-up game.

Australia head coach Justin Langer has called on fans to show Smith and Warner respect in the World Cup and not jeer them.

The pair, who both recently completed bans for ball-tampering, were given a hostile reception by the crowd at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton during Australia’s World Cup warm-up victory over England.

There were audible boos, jeers, and chants of “cheat”, but Langer has urged supporters not to repeat that behaviour during the tournament itself.

“You [the media] talk about earning respect, and I think it’s really important that people show respect as well,” Langer said.

“They made a mistake and paid a big price for it. After the experience of Hampshire, we have a pretty good idea what to expect. We’ve talked about it a lot and we can put strategies in place.

“That said, when it happens it doesn’t make it any easier. They are human beings, that’s the truth -- and that’s what I find the hardest.” He added: “I’d be disappointed by any player being booed at any cricket ground, regardless of what country they play for. It’s never a good look when that happens.”

Langer confirmed that Warner would open the batting against Afghanistan if he passes a fitness test.

But the 32-year-old has been troubled by a sore muscle, which has restricted his movement in the field during practice sessions.

Former Australian paceman Brett Lee expects Smith and Warner to make big contributions but has warned they might need thick skin playing in front of the English crowds.

“I don’t think they have got a point to prove, they will just be happy to be back playing for Australia,” said Lee, who won the tournament with Australia in 2003.

“They have been welcomed back to the Australian cricket team with open arms, and I reckon they have a shot at winning.”

Australia also boast a potent pace attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, ably supported by Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Kane Richardson. Spinners Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon lend variety to the bowling attack that combined to get the better of England and Sri Lanka in warm-up games.

The five-time champions will start as overwhelming favourites in Bristol against an Afghanistan side only playing their second 50-over World Cup. Afghanistan’s rise from associate-nation status to cricket’s elite has been nothing short of a fairytale.

The minnows witnessed a captaincy change two months before the start of the World Cup, with little-known Gulbadin Naib named leader of the ODI side in place of Asghar Afghan, a move that did not go down well with some senior members of the team.

But the team have now settled to focus on their World Cup campaign.

“Gulbadin has said he’ll make use of Asghar’s experience (at the World Cup). They are a united front now,” said chief selector Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai.

“Changes do happen, like Sri Lanka did with their captaincy.” Star spinner Rashid Khan carries the team’s hopes on his shoulders with his ability to run through opposition batting -- he tops the world Twenty20 bowling rankings and lies third in the 50-over standings.

Afghanistan, who beat Pakistan in a World Cup warm-up match, are setting their sights high.

“There was no Rashid or Mujeebur Rahman in 2015 so this time we are aiming for a semi-final berth. With the team composition we have, we can definitely surprise a few teams,” said Ahmadzai. “We have identified teams we can beat but obviously I can’t tell you which teams.”

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2019