Within a showcase on the upper level of the iconic Melbourne stadium is housed a vibrant pink ensemble donned by Robbie Williams. The show in front of a massive crowd of attendees was hailed as a success.
You might not like Robbie Williams. You might think he is the greatest gift to music known to man. Alternatively, you may hold a middle ground, acknowledging that some songs are excellent while others are awful.
The point being is that entertainment can take many forms. Tastes vary. There is no universal formula to craft music or even Test cricket.
The Peerless Spectrum of The Test Format
The five-day game boasts unrivalled depth. It's difficult to think of another sport where the playing is so reliant upon conditions.
The weather, the hour of play, the red ball – the factors are countless. Above all is the wicket.
If the long game is an artistic pursuit, the wicket is the foundation on which the athletes create their art.
A Test of Cubism: The MCG Match
The recent Melbourne match between the two sides was the game deconstructed, the traditional sport taken to pieces and reassembled in abstract form.
It must be stated this is not a endorsement of the surface which resulted in a victory and the another short match of the Ashes battle.
Allowing a thick layer on the surface, leading to a cascade of wickets falling in less than six sessions, is not a fair contest between bat and ball.
A Diverse Legacy: The Essence of Test Cricket
But any notion this was a lesser event, one that should be marked with an asterisk as inauthentic, is incorrect.
The format is a varied portfolio, over two thousand matches and ongoing. Sometimes, as witnessed recently, the cricket ball does all sorts for the pace bowlers. Sometimes, it spins sharply on a dust bowl. Sometimes, the pitch is flat as a pancake, other times it explodes.
The close matches are particularly captivating due to the patience devoted during quieter periods.
Problem Solving: The Real Challenge
Specific conditions are accepted more easily than others.
The contention in at the MCG was that the balance was weighted unfairly towards the bowlers. That the top batters were prevented from demonstrating their skill.
Test cricket is about finding solutions – reading the conditions and adapting effectively. The best individual innings were made by recognized stars. One side committed more errors than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Unbridled Joy: For Those Who Waited
Attempt to convince the devotees who have experienced a long drought that this wasn't compelling.
Among the crowd of the stadium, thousands made noise and created an atmosphere, generating a carnival vibe in a heartland of Australian cricket.
There was belief as the attack dominated, advantage when players scored quickly, and unconditional love when the victory was achieved.
Contrasting Examples: The Variety of Test Matches
The Melbourne has a history with controversial surfaces. Eight years ago, a match there featured a pitch with the character of a pulled Christmas cracker.
That contest was a grind, with few wickets and slow play. The two-day game and that slow Test are extreme ends of the range – neither ideal, yet historical weight can be found in each.
At this stage into the ongoing battle, it is the shortest games that will remain iconic in the collective consciousness.
"Far from being the death of the format at all," commented a past champion. "Fans who have been lucky enough to see these short time have been experienced some real entertainment. Different entertainment."
Signs of Progress: A Glimmer of Hope
In the preparation to this Test, the skipper spoke like a man carrying the heavy burden on his back.
The squad responded for him, restoring the joy to his countenance.
Different players delivered with vital performances. These are small positives, certainly not enough to secure long-term success, but a foundation to use as a platform.
In the end, this Melbourne victory is added to other historic performances in meaningless games.
As the fans departed into a stunning sunset, the squad assembled on the outfield to begin their own celebrations.
Savour the moment, boys. It's well deserved.
