Pair out to prove a point
STEVE Smith and David Warner are “ready to prove a point” at the World Cup with vice-captain Alex Carey hoping the hostile crowds in England create an “exciting” atmosphere.
Smith and Warner have dodged the spotlight since arriving in London on Wednesday but face a temperature check this weekend when they bat against England in a practice match.
Smith has set record-low skinfolds and Carey said he struggled to keep up with the former captain when they went for a long run together last week.
“He’s running really well and Bull’s (Warner) the same,” Carey said. “They’re quality athletes, they’re quality blokes and they’ve come back into this squad ready to prove a point, I think.
“‘Smudge’ (Smith) was hitting the ball really well in Brisbane and David was incredible in the IPL. The characters they are, they’re great men.
“I love talking cricket with Steve Smith and David Warner. They’re some of Australia’s greatest batsmen.
“I captained a warm-up game in Brisbane and I was standing next to Steve Smith, who was a pretty good guy to pick a brain from. They’ve slotted in really well.”
Carey played two ODIs in England last year as local fans taunted Australia with sandpaper as Smith and Warner were sidelined through suspension.
“I love playing cricket with a good atmosphere and I have no doubt there’s going to be a great atmosphere here,” he said. “It’s exciting. The guys are prepared for that.”