Haddin insists contribution of Barmy Army is welcome

Australia’s assistant coach Brad Haddin has welcomed the “theatre” of English crowd reactions to the returning David Warner and Steve Smith.

The pair, back on the international stage after year-long bans for their part in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, are expected to take the field in today’s World Cup warm-up against England at the Ageas Bowl.

An unadvertised practice match against the West Indies on Hampshire’s Nursery Ground attracted fewer than 30 well-behaved fans on Wednesday but that is unlikely to be the case in the coming weeks and months.

The duo are expected to come in for some intense barracking, both in the tournament proper and during the subsequent Ashes series, but Haddin is not perturbed by the prospect.

“I’d be disappointed if the England crowd weren’t involved in the game,” he said.

“One of the pleasures I had in my career was the theatre of touring to England and when the Barmy Army come out to Australia and what it brings to the game.

“The one thing I have noticed is that they still respect good cricket. They’ll still have their songs and their fun, but I have never known an English crowd not respect a good hundred or a five-for or a good performance in the field.

“It’s something for me personally that was a great part of coming to England. It was fun. We don’t get a lot of that sort of crowd in Australia so the guys are very excited.”

Brad Haddin: Loves Barmy Army.