Skipper’s expecting an earful from fans

TIM Paine is ready for Australia to cop a barrage of flak from English fans after the ball tampering scandal, but the new skipper insists he is relishing stepping up in the old rival’s backyard.

The Tasmanian accepts that England’s supporters will be the ones really dishing it out when his men confront the No.1-ranked one-day team in the world.

It is Australia’s first series since captain Steve Smith and deputy David Warner were banned for a year and coach Darren Lehmann stood down.

“We’ve spoken about this. We think it’s going to be pretty full-on but we expect that when we come to England, to cop a little bit of a ribbing,” Paine said. “This time we probably come with a bit more reason for them to do it.

“We’re looking forward to it, to be honest. We expect that wherever we go now, but sides also get it when they come to Australia, so that’s part and parcel of the game.”

Paine reiterated his intention for his side to tone down its approach on the field.

During the Ashes series win against England and on the illfated trip to South Africa he said “there were times it got very close to abuse, but that’s not what we’re about”.

Asked if the Aussies were about to become the Mr Nice Guys of cricket, he said: “We won’t be overly nice and we’ll still have that competitive hard edge. We’re here to win.”

Apart from the suspended Smith and Warner, Australia is also missing strike bowlers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and allrounder Mitch Marsh.

New coach Justin Langer said it gave their replacements a chance to impress.

“It’s a great opportunity to build a team and hopefully when those guys come back, the competition will be tough,” Langer said.