Smith's bizarre lbw0:52
Cricket: Steve Smith has been controversially given out off the bowling of debutant South African spinner Keshav Maharaj in Perth. Umpire Aleem Dar gave Smith out lbw even though he was a country mile down the pitch.
Australia v South Africa: Keshav Maharaj makes no apologies for appealing for Steve Smith’s wicket
CONTROVERSY surrounded Keshav Maharaj’s maiden Test wicket but the South African debutant makes no apologies for his appeal which trapped Steve Smith LBW in Perth for a duck.
After a nervy opening to the cauldron of Test cricket, Maharaj snared the biggest scalp of his career when umpire Aleem Dar adjudged Smith leg before on day two at the WACA, despite the Australian skipper dancing down the pitch to the left-arm spinner.
Smith unsuccessfully reviewed Dar’s decision — DRS showed the ball clipping leg stump — leaving the field in disgust in a moment which could potentially change the way matches are officiated.
Historically batsmen have been handed any benefit of doubt when they use their feet to the spinners but with video technology now entrenched it could alter their thought process.
“It looked pretty straight to me and any bowler who hits the pads is going to appeal if there is half a positive that is going to come out of it,” Maharaj said.
“Fortunately enough it did go in my favour.
“The bowlers also need a chance now these days, bats are getting bigger, grounds are getting smaller, it is nice having some things swing your way now and then.
“My first Test wicket, a very critical moment in my career, having someone of his [Smith’s] calibre as the first scalp is very special to me.”
Maharaj finished with 3-56 and 1-94 in the first Test, as well as contributing an unbeaten 41 in the second innings.
The 26-year-old revealed he spoke with countryman Paul Harris, who played 37 Tests, about Australian conditions prior to the tour, aware his role at times will be to contain the flow of runs.
“I did have a chat to ‘Harro’ before I got here and he just mentioned a few thoughts on what it was like to bowl in Australian conditions.
“I’m just trying to replicate what he did, he was one of the more successful spinners for South Africa and I’m trying to follow in his footsteps.
“He said your job here is to rest the fast bowlers, conditions are in their favour rather than [mine].
“Conditions play a major factor, there will be a point in the game where I have to strike with the ball if it starts to turn and bounce.
“For now I’m happy to hold up an end and let the seamers do the striking.”
Originally published as ‘Any bowler who hits the pads is going to appeal’