Disgraced Australia stars Steve Smith and David Warner return to English soil after ball-tampering scandal in World Cup warm-up clash with West Indies Steve Smith and David Warner are back following the ball-tampering scandal The Australia stars made a low-key return to English soil against the West Indies They are braced for a rough ride from fans but had a gentle reintroductionBy Rory Dollard, Press Association Sport Published: 15:04 BST, 22 May 2019 | Updated: 15:14 BST, 22 May 2019 Viewcomments Australian duo Steve Smith and David Warner made a low-key return to English soil on Wednesday, as the West Indies posted 229 in the first World Cup warm-up. The pair, back on international duty after serving one-year bans for their part in the ball-tampering scandal, are expecting a rough ride from fans this summer but had a gentle reintroduction at the Ageas Bowl's Nursery Ground. The hastily arranged contest falls outside the tournament's official preparation period and was deemed a 'practice session' by the International Cricket Council. As such only a couple of dozen fans were on hand, none of whom felt compelled to make life difficult from the sidelines. Australia's Steve Smith (L) and David Warner (R) made a return to English soil on Wednesday Only a couple of dozen fans were on hand to see them at the Ageas Bowl's Nursery Ground Listed to bat three and four respectively, the batsmen played peripheral roles in the first innings. Warner produced an early misfield and Smith turned his arm over with two gentle overs of leg-spin, but the pair enjoyed an otherwise quiet afternoon in the sun. With Chris Gayle absent at the Caribbean Premier League draft in London, Evin Lewis (50) and Carlos Brathwaite (60) carried the innings, while the Australian attack eased into action. Nathan Coulter-Nile was the pick in the early stages, taking out Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer with a testing spell, while fellow quick Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins also finished with two apiece. They are back on international duty after serving bans for their part in ball-tampering scandal Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility