There is a sense of despondency and it is palpable. How heavily the skipper’s presence on the field was can be told by how badly it is missed when he is conspicuous by his absence. South Africa still have the stomach for the fight. But one feels the charm and sting are wearing thin at the SCG increasingly.
Perhaps the strongest indicator of how much a cricketer of the caliber of Graeme Smith is missed can be better understood in the body language of the opposition. Australia have been behaving as if benevolence has rained on them.
The charismatic skipper has had a huge influence on the team not only as a self assertive skipper not used to caving in but also, as a prolific batsman as 2008 would testify. The blow then that came early meant that the South African skipper did not last long at the crease, the injury to the left hand forcing him to withdrew retired hurt when he appeared to be taking the Australian bowlers on against the backdrop of Australia’s colossal first innings total of 445.
While Paul Harris is quoted saying that South Africans will play to win despite the skipper’s set back because it is the South African way, it will be yet another uphill climb.
With the extent of the injury being as grave as it has been, combined with his already troubled right elbow, meant that Smith would not resume batting in the first innings thereafter, leaving South Africa effectively with one more wicket down even before the Australians had really worked for it. South Africa’s catching up became even more enormous without the sturdy, emphatic starts that South Africa have become accustomed to under their skipper and it is perhaps the telling difference in the deficit they have then conceded to the Australians who are not entirely upset over the turn of events.
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