Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir needs to tailor himself a mental suit of armour for the inevitable barbs directed at him in this series and beyond.
The convicted spot fixer was reportedly shaken by taunts from New Zealand fans on Monday during the first ODI cricket match at the Basin Reserve, referencing his record for taking bribes to bowl no-balls at Lord's in 2010.
The story was further inflamed when news emerged New Zealand Cricket-contracted ground announcer Mark McLeod played a cash register sound effect as the 23-year-old was bowling in the final T20 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington last Friday.
"I think it was inappropriate and disrespectful, and has the effect of trivialising one of the biggest issues facing cricket," NZC chief executive David White said. "I've contacted the Pakistan team management to apologise, and to assure them there will be no repeat."
The teenage Amir served a five-year cricket ban and three months in jail for his fixing crime.
Pakistan assistant coach Mushtaq Ahmed insisted the acts had minimal effect.
"We didn't even discuss it, the guys were very happy with the crowd. It's up to people how they watch the game and support sportspeople.
"He [Amir] just has to deliver his skills, like the last game, where he bowled brilliantly."
No official complaint had been made by Pakistan, but security staff at the Basin Reserve ODI stepped in when a spectator waved money towards Amir.
Allegedly, shouts of "I've got a dollar for you" were delivered at the pace bowler.
Teammate Mohammad Hafeez apparently alerted the umpires and team security staff to the money-waving spectator. A noble act really, considering he and one-day international skipper Azhar Ali publicly protested Amir's return to the national squad.
Those two are now assisting his reintegration. Before the first ODI, Ali said: "My job is to try to get the best out of him. We have moved on, we are united and ... whatever my stance was, my job is to lead and keep harmony in the dressing room."
In a perfect world, Amir would be offered forgiveness. Who has never made a mistake they regretted as an 18-year-old? He cheated with two older and more experienced cronies, and his moral compass was corrupted on a global scale.
However, cricket grounds provide a natural theatre for a barrage of retribution.
New Zealand sporting crowds can be among the world's most venomous; sometimes boorish and often lacking subtlety. Amir is not the first visitor to require the skin of a rhinoceros once a Kiwi crowd's had a skinful of amber courage.
Recalled New Zealand ODI bowler Doug Bracewell said dealing with crowd abuse, while unfortunate, was part of touring.
"You've got to expect to get grief on the boundary at times. It's never really witty or smart, but usually straight to the point."
If Amir weathers this initial spike in vitriol it will only get easier as he rekindles his career. The verbal jibes only underline the hurt he caused the cricketing world.
He should breath it in, absorb it and use it as an incentive to sustain his cricketing lifeline. There are undoubtedly less appealing forms of employment than travelling around the world swinging a bat and ball. He remains an outstanding bowler, and one who can still fashion his own destiny.
