Rarely has Australian fast-bowler Jason Behrendorff seen two players so keen to make an impact as they brace for Australia's Cricket World Cup opener.

The pair are looking to make amends for a 12-month stint out of the national side brought on by the forgettable sandpaper scandal in South Africa last year.

Behrendorff says the pair have responded to every task with aplomb - both on and off the park as they brace for verbal warfare from English crowds.

Warner is set to overcome a sore glute to open the batting in Australia's World Cup defence beginning against Afghanistan in Bristol on Saturday night (AEST).

But it is Smith that has struck fear into the minds of opposition bowlers throughout Australia's warm-up games as he and Warner prepare for their first one-day internationals since January last year.

"You've seen the class of them, especially the way Smithy has gone about it since he has come back," Behrendorff said.

"He's hardly scored under 50 in his last few innings for us. He's hitting the ball as well as he nearly ever has. He's come back so hungry.

"Yes, he spent a fair bit of time away from international cricket, but it gave him a chance to refresh and recharge, and understand how much he loves playing cricket for Australia and how hungry he is to keep scoring more runs for us."

Smith and Warner are set to be the targets of raucous boos from crowds throughout the tournament, with the Barmy Army counting down the days until England meet Australia on June 25.

Australian coach Justin Langer's pleas for fans to spare the duo from taunts are likely to go unnoticed but Smith has said it is all "water off a duck's back".

Behrendorff says this Australian side is not naive - they know what to expect when their campaign gets underway,

"Probably a few bits and pieces. There will definitely be a fair bit of banter thrown at us. That's something we know is coming," Behrendorff said.

"Steve and Dave in particular, have dealt with everything they've had to so far really well. We copped a little bit in the game at Southampton, to what will be a very small extent of what we will cop when the actual game against England at Lords comes.

"You can't really prepare for exactly what they're going to come at you with, but as long as we're doing it with a smile on our face and playing good cricket, that will go a long way towards helping us out."