Batsman Steven Smith and bowler Nathan Lyon will expect plenty of ridicule from the crowds during Australia’s 2019 World Cup campaign.

Smith and Lyon played in last week’s warm-up fixture defeat to England – and were subjected to several taunts from spectators at The Oval in London.

Former captain Smith, who recently returned to international cricket after a suspension for involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that marred Australia’s Test tour of South Africa last year, starred with a century in Saturday’s win.

‘Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and how they want to treat people. It’s water off a duck’s back and it doesn’t bother me. I try to black it out. They call it “white noise”. When I’m out in the middle I don’t pay attention to the crowd or what they’re saying,’ said Smith.

Lyon snared the key wicket of all-rounder Ben Stokes at The Oval – and will likely be selected for 25 June’s fixture against the same opposition at Lord’s in London.

‘The jeering was expected – they’re ruthless over here. I’ve had two Ashes tours and a one-day series over here and haven’t experienced anything else. They’re ruthless and there’s not much love. They haven’t changed their lines in the last 12 months,’ added Lyon.

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