Australia captain Aaron Finch says his team’s upcoming series against England will not lack intensity despite missing the partisan crowd that both sides are used to under normal circumstances.
David Warner and Steve Smith received rollickings from the English crowds last summer after their bans for ball-tampering.
Both players said the crowd’s boos encouraged them, but now they are back on English soil for six white-ball games behind closed doors next month.
"We played the game against New Zealand at the SCG (in February), which was our last game, behind closed doors so I don't think that we need any extra motivation or we don't need any crowd to pump you up - not that we get it here in the UK anyway,” said Finch.
"That is going to be different no doubt, but at the end of the day we are still playing international cricket.
"What it'll come down to is pride in your performance and representing your country really proudly."
“It’s always good to have a crowd to entertain and the banter that comes from, particularly English crowds, is pretty special. Do they go over the top some times – maybe, yeah, but it’s all great to be a part of. Especially if you beat England over here, you know you have to overcome so much. On the field that counts for a lot.
“It’ll be different but I don’t think it’ll take away from the intensity on the field, especially from our point of view. We are always trying to improve, especially in the 50 over game we are searching for the right formula.”
Australia are currently in Derby preparing for the series, and will hold intra-squad games to get into the groove. England have three T20s against Pakistan, starting on Friday, before they play Australia.
