Within a showcase on the elevated floor of the MCG is housed a vibrant pink suit performed in by Robbie Williams. The concert in front of a massive crowd of spectators was hailed as a triumph.
Perhaps you don't like the performer. Perhaps you believe he is the greatest gift to music known to man. Alternatively, you may hold a middle ground, conceding that some tracks are excellent while others are poor.
The central idea is that amusement can be delivered diversely. Tastes vary. There is no universal formula to create music or even five-day cricket.
The Incomparable Variety of The Test Format
The five-day game boasts peerless complexity. It is hard to think of another sport where the contest is so dependent on conditions.
The climate, the hour of play, the cricket ball – the factors are countless. Crucially is the pitch.
If the format is an artistic pursuit, the pitch is the canvas on which the cricketers craft their legacy.
A Test of Cubism: The Melbourne Spectacle
The recent Melbourne match between Australia and England was the game deconstructed, the established format broken apart and reassembled in abstract form.
It must be stated this is not a defence of the pitch which resulted in a victory and the another sub-three-day finish of the series.
Allowing 10mm of grass on the wicket, causing a cascade of wickets tumbling in less than six sessions, is not a fair contest between offense and defense.
A Diverse Legacy: The Essence of Test Cricket
But any idea this was a diminished spectacle, one that should be marked with an asterisk as illegitimate, is incorrect.
The format is a rich tapestry, over two thousand matches and counting. On occasion, as seen at the MCG, the ball behaves unpredictably for the pace bowlers. Sometimes, it spins sharply on a spinning track. At other venues, the pitch is flat as a pancake, other times it bounces unevenly.
The thrillers are even more exciting because of the time committed in other matches.
Problem Solving: The True Test
Certain variables are embraced more freely than others.
The argument in at the MCG was that the equilibrium was skewed excessively towards the bowlers. That the best players were hindered from demonstrating their skill.
The format is about problem solving – assessing the wicket and responding accordingly. The two highest individual innings were made by recognized players. One side made more mistakes than the other, and thus lost.
Sheer Celebration: For Those Who Waited
Attempt to convince the supporters who have endured a long drought that this was not entertaining.
In one section of the stadium, a sea of people celebrated and chanted, producing a carnival vibe in a stronghold of sport.
There was optimism as the fielding side dominated, advantage when players scored quickly, and unconditional love when the result was confirmed.
Contrasting Examples: The Range of Test Matches
The MCG has a history with controversial surfaces. Eight years ago, a match there featured a wicket with the excitement of a a non-event.
That match was a grind, with limited drama and slow play. The two-day game and that previous match are polar opposites of the range – one is not more ideal, yet historical weight can be ascribed to both.
Four Tests into the Ashes contest, it is the quick finishes that will be most remembered in the history books.
"This isn't the end of Test cricket at all," observed a former player. "Fans who have been fortunate to see these two days have been treated to some real entertainment. An unusual spectacle."
Small Victories: Building for the Future
In the lead-in to this match, the leader spoke like a man carrying the heavy burden on his back.
The squad protected him, reinstating the positive demeanor to his persona.
Different players stepped up with key contributions. These are baby steps, not nearly enough to ensure long-term stability, but a starting point to develop from.
Ultimately, this triumph joins other historic performances in dead rubbers.
As the crowd slipped away into a stunning sunset, the players congregated on the field to commence their own enjoyment.
Savour the moment, boys. It's well deserved.
