On January 8, 2018, Steve Smith’s Australian team, wreathed in smiles, gathered on what resembled a corny parade float at the Sydney Cricket Ground to celebrate a 4–0 eclipse of England. Smith held the Waterford crystal, flanked by vice-captain David Warner and wicketkeeper Tim Paine; leaning in from the right was Warner’s opening partner, Cameron Bancroft. It is the sort of image that might hang in a cricketer’s home, appear on the cover of a souvenir book, or form part of the opening sequence of a sports-panel show.
