If the Australians talked about showing grit on the final day in Johannesburg, they were probably still thinking sandpaper.
Capitulating for 119 on the last day of the fourth Test when there was every reason to prove the battered Aussies had resolve – talk about bringing the game into disrepute.
They could only draw the final match of the series to go home defeated 2-1 to a top-quality South African side. But they had a chance to show there’s plenty of character in the dressing room following the humiliation of the ball-tampering saga, and to farewell coach Darren Lehmann with a proud display.
Instead, it was a woeful 81-minute surrender. The 492-run loss – a cringeworthy and record margin – was deflating for Australians wanting to witness a bit of fight.
Vernon Philander was nipping it around but that he made it seem like a totally different wicket a day after he and his teammates had cruised to a declaration of 6-344 was a dismal reflection on Australia.
It was Australia’s second-heaviest defeat – in terms of runs – in Test history.
If Tim Paine’s team was hoping to evoke some goodwill following sandpaper-gate, they only further rubbed Aussie cricket fans up the wrong way.
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A year ago in India, Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh batted for 232 minutes and 374 balls to deny the home side victory in the third Test in Ranchi.
A Test save can often elicit confidence and belief, but the Johannesburg collapse showed how far Australia have fallen since their Ashes demolition only a few months ago.
It also highlighted that the biggest save over the next few weeks and months will be getting suspensions reduced for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
Most significantly Smith, who needs to be on the plane for next year’s Ashes. As it stands, a 12-month ban would make it tricky or even impossible for him to convince selectors he’s worth taking to England.
It would mean he wouldn’t be available for any Sheffield Shield matches, so a reduction by at least three months – which seems entirely likely and justified – would mean Smith would be available for the second half of the Shield season.
Five games of four-day cricket would be enough for Smith to rack up the runs he needs for an Ashes recall, even if his international ban carries through over the entire summer.
There’s little to be optimistic about in Australian cricket at the moment, but Smith’s appeal is one ray of hope on the horizon as the IPL circus starts up.
Given the sympathy the fallen Australian captain has garnered since his teary Sydney airport confession, his appeal is one that will be screamed loud and clear in unison around the country.
Jay Ross
Guest
Smith has accepted his 12 month ban. No news from Warner or Bancroft yet.
dan ced
Guest
Yes, young players would benefit from their experience, I think they should be able to play domestic 4 day cricket.
Matt H
Roar Guru
I like the compromise solution of the bans remaining in place, but allowing them to play State Cricket.
JamesH
Roar Guru
When did we suffer a 'humiliating 4-0 home loss'? When have we ever lost a home series to India?
Jarijari
Guest
You're on the money, Brasstax. Never fear, Smith will be here. At least he will be for the first Test against India, most likely at the new Perth stadium in November. The game can't afford anything less than a genuinely independent process and a scrupulously impartial judgment. More to the point, Sutherland can't sustain another kangaroo court. One way or another, the aberrant CA boss should finally be out of a job by the end of the year. "If they do take (the penalties) to appeal, that's a good, proper legal process," Sutherland says. My arse it is. The penalties were imposed without a proper investigation, an expedient judgment in response to a typically hysterical media response and an outbreak of mob rule.
Paul
Roar Guru
I understand your point Will, but in reality, doesn't your suggestion amount to a 3 month ban from first class cricket, ie the first half of the Australian summer? I believe there's a Test in Zimbabwe and a couple against Bangladesh, but these are neither here nor there in the long term. In fact, your idea would amount to the best thing he could do; have a long break, finish his community service, play grade cricket for 3 months, play Shield for 3 months - he'd be fit and rested for sure - but is this the punishment fitting the crime?
Blue
Guest
That's it in Australia. Sports stars can get away with just about anything. As long as they follow it up with a good cry on tele, all is forgiven. In every other walk of life, we all have to bear the consequences of our actions. Smith's a good bloke who made a mother of all mistakes and everyone wants him back but an example needed to be set and this is that example. Warner, on the other hand, has been at the core of a lot of the terrible culture we have witnessed so good riddance and good bye.
Will Knight
Expert
Yeah good points Brasstax. But the appeal is conducted before an independent commissioner. Which makes it all a bit nebulous. Do they need to take into account the recent public sympathy given CA said they took into account the public's initial outrage when handing out the bans?!? Does the independent commissioner take into account the financial implications you mention? Justice not simple. The Rabada appeal proved how differently the independent commissioner can view an incident.
Brasstax
Guest
Dont worry. I bet Smith will be back in 6 months for the Indian series to avoid another humiliating 4-0 home loss. If there were ever any doubts about the lack of quality in batting in the absence of Smith and Warner, thats been laid to rest following 3 consecutive just about 100 plus team scores. CA will soon realize that they could ill afford such overzealous actions as the batting cupboard is bare. With sponsorship deal in limbo, the last thing CA want is another loss at home later this year and i.am.sure the sponsor will make that amply clear. Watch out for a CA announcrment “considering contrition” and revising bans to Smith and Bancroft to 6 months. Jury is still out on Warner.
Will Knight
Expert
Hey Paul - I mean a 3-month reduction from 12 months to 9 months. That would mean he'd be available from January 1. Therefore he would get that second half of the Sheffield Shield season - I think it is split down the middle so 5 games between October and December and 5 games between February and March. When would they leave for the Ashes? Start of June? So squad announced middle of May? Not sure if any Test series away in March and April like this year. Wouldn't think so. So Shield form is paramount over that second stage. It's not entirely out of the picture that an appeal could lead to a return to state cricket as soon as possible and an international ban reduced from 12 months to 9 months?!? Even 6 months?!?
Paul
Roar Guru
Will, why did you make the comment, a 3 month reduction on Smith's suspension "would seem entirely likely and justified"? Right now,there is no first class cricket on the calendar for Australia till our next summer, so the ban currently in place would be meaningless. Sure he'd miss out on the IPL and 5 ODI's in England, but that's it. The ban would end up being a holiday rather than a punishment if you're correct and that's not right.