“With the drop in the newer ball, it does happen quite significantly and it happens quite quick,” Maharaj said. “We saw as the spell went on that that drop was probably negated towards the latter part of my spell.”
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The episode gave a troubling glimpse of what life will be like for Australia after Smith and also Glenn Maxwell, who has likewise retired from the 50-over game. Maxwell’s reverse sweeps and switch-hits have always been a useful riposte for spin bowlers – just ask Afghanistan after the 2023 World Cup game in Mumbai.
Moreover, Travis Head, Labuschagne, Green, Inglis and Carey are all firmly part of Australia’s Test batting plans for the next few years. They each need to show much greater craft than this if they are to cope with the days when Smith is no longer around to problem-solve.
Upon winning the toss, Marsh elected to chase, as Australia customarily does. But the chase folded so quickly that there was no chance for the game to be influenced by the arrival of evening dew that so often influences that decision.
Keshav Maharaj of South Africa celebrates a wicket.Credit: Getty Images
At the same time, the Australians had omitted their own left-arm spinner, Matt Kuhnemann, reasoning that a pace-heavy attack would get the job done. As it was, Head’s off-spin proved more dangerous than most, netting four wickets.
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Summing up what had taken place, Marsh preferred to lavish praise upon Maharaj, who made his Test debut for the Proteas in Australia back in 2016, and counted Smith among his early victims in a series that the tourists won handsomely.
“Certainly with the newer ball, it spun probably more than we planned for, and on his day he’s a world-class bowler,” Marsh said. “Days like today you take your hat off. It’ll be a great learning for our batters and we move forward.
“It’s a real skill of his, his length was super consistent and nights like tonight where some spin and some don’t, it can be hard to judge.”
Not so hard to judge is the fact that the rush of wickets in Cairns sent a firm signal around the world: Australia will be vulnerable in a post-Smith universe. For white-ball games now, and Test matches in the not too distant future.
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