Hostile crowds are expected to greet Australia when they return to South Africa for their first Test tour since 2018, but Josh Hazlewood believes the reception will not unsettle a side accustomed to handling intense scrutiny.
The three-Test series will revive memories of the controversial Cape Town tour eight years ago, when Australia’s ball-tampering scandal triggered lengthy bans for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
Hazlewood was part of that squad and is among the senior Australians due to return to South Africa, alongside captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Smith. Warner has since retired from international cricket.
The Australian fast bowler’s confidence rests on the experience within the group and the fact that several players have already endured hostile receptions in England and elsewhere without allowing them to affect their performances.
South African supporters are expected to make their feelings known, particularly when the teams meet again at Newlands in Cape Town, the venue at the centre of the 2018 controversy.
The series begins in Durban on October 9, before moving to Gqeberha and then Cape Town for the final Test from October 27. Australia will also play three one-day internationals in South Africa during September.
The return carries added significance after South Africa defeated Australia in last year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s. The Proteas are the reigning champions and will be seeking to reinforce their recent dominance when the sides meet on home soil.
Hazlewood’s message is that Australia should focus on the contest rather than the noise around it. The tourists expect the crowd to be vocal, but believe their experienced core can absorb the pressure and allow their cricket to provide the response.
