'Cheats': Barmy Army target Warner in sandpaper scandal sledge ahead of WC

The Barmy Army has taken its first proper dig at the Australian cricket team before this year’s World Cup and Ashes series after photoshopping ‘cheats’ across David Warner’s jersey.

Australia has its sights on retaining both the World Cup and Ashes urn when they kick off their ODI campaign on 1 June and Ashes defence at Edgbaston on 1 August.

But the official social media account of the Barmy Army has fuelled the fire early with a cheeky photoshop job.

The images feature Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and David Warner in the jersey launch for Australia’s World Cup outfit.

But photoshopped into both Lyon and Starc’s images are roles of sandpaper.

Across Warner’s chest, instead of the word ‘Australia’, is the word ‘cheats’.

The Barmy Army are referring to Warner and Smith’s 12-month bans for their roles in the sandpaper scandal.

Smith has been barred from holding leadership positions for a further 12 months, while Warner is no longer eligible to serve in any such role.

Both Smith and Warner made their unofficial return in the Aussie colours in two World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand this week.