Displayed inside a glass case on the upper level of the MCG sits a vibrant pink ensemble worn by Robbie Williams. The concert in front of a massive crowd of attendees was seen as a triumph.
You might not appreciate Robbie Williams. Perhaps you believe he is the ultimate present to music known to man. Or you could adopt a reasonable stance, acknowledging that some songs are excellent while others are awful.
The point being is that amusement can be delivered diversely. Tastes vary. There is no universal formula to produce music or even the longest format.
The Unrivalled Depth of Test Cricket
The five-day game boasts unrivalled depth. It's difficult to think of another sport where the outcome is so dictated by the environment.
The weather, the hour of play, the cricket ball – the factors are countless. Above all is the wicket.
If the format is a form of art, the pitch is the foundation on which the players craft their legacy.
A Broken-Down Battle: The Melbourne Spectacle
The recent Melbourne match between the two sides was an abstract version of cricket, the established format taken to pieces and stuck back together in abstract form.
It must be stated this is not a defence of the wicket which yielded a victory and the another short match of the Ashes battle.
Having excessive grass on the surface, leading to 36 wickets being taken in less than a brief period, is not an even battle between batter and bowler.
A Rich Tapestry: The Essence of Test Cricket
But any notion this was a diminished spectacle, one that should be marked with an asterisk as inauthentic, is incorrect.
The long game is a diverse canvas, 2,615 parts and still growing. On occasion, like in Melbourne, the ball behaves unpredictably for the pace bowlers. Other times, it turns square on a dry surface. At other venues, the pitch is flat as a pancake, other times it bounces unevenly.
The thrillers are even more exciting owing to the time committed during quieter periods.
Problem Solving: The Core Skill
Some factors are embraced more freely than others.
The argument in during the match was that the contest was weighted unfairly towards the bowlers. That the top batters were prevented from demonstrating their skill.
The format is about problem solving – interpreting the conditions and adjusting appropriately. The two highest individual innings were made by recognized players. One team committed more errors than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Sheer Celebration: For Those Who Waited
Try telling the supporters who have suffered 18 winless matches that this lacked spectacle.
Among the crowd of the MCG, a sea of people celebrated and sang their songs, producing a carnival vibe in a bastion of sport.
There was hope as the fielding side excelled, impetus when players scored quickly, and rapturous celebration when the victory was secured.
Contrasting Examples: The Spectrum of Test Matches
The MCG has previous experience with controversial surfaces. Eight years ago, a Test there featured a strip with the excitement of a pulled Christmas cracker.
That match was a marathon, with few wickets and endless boredom. This recent match and that drawn affair are polar opposites of the range – neither perfect, yet value can be ascribed to both.
Deep into the series into the current series, it is the two-day matches that will live longest in the history books.
"This isn't the demise of the format at all," commented a veteran. "Spectators who have been lucky enough to see these short time have been given some genuine drama. Different entertainment."
Signs of Progress: Building for the Future
In the build-up to this Test, the leader talked like a man carrying the heavy burden on his shoulders.
The team responded for him, restoring the joy to his persona.
Different players delivered with crucial roles. These are baby steps, certainly not enough to secure long-term success, but something to build on.
Ultimately, this Melbourne victory is added to other notable performances in meaningless games.
As the supporters slipped away into a stunning sunset, the players gathered on the field to begin their own enjoyment.
Celebrate the win, lads. This victory was hard-fought.
