Displayed inside a glass case on the upper level of the MCG sits a vibrant pink outfit worn by Robbie Williams. The concert in front of a hundred thousand attendees was seen as a major hit.
It's possible you appreciate Robbie Williams. You might think he is the finest offering to music known to man. You might take a middle ground, conceding that some hits are fantastic while others are terrible.
The point being is that enjoyment can manifest in countless ways. Tastes vary. There is not a single method to craft art or even the longest format.
The Peerless Spectrum of Test Cricket
The five-day game boasts unrivalled depth. It's difficult to think of another sport where the outcome is so dependent on the environment.
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 foundation on which the cricketers craft their legacy.
A Broken-Down Battle: The Fourth Test
The recent Melbourne match between the old rivals was an abstract version of cricket, the great game dismantled and reassembled in an unusual manner.
Let's be clear, this isn't a defence of the wicket which produced a victory and the another short match of the contest.
Having 10mm of grass on the wicket, resulting in numerous dismissals tumbling in less than a brief period, is not a balanced duel between offense and defense.
A Diverse Legacy: The Essence of Test Cricket
But any notion this was a inferior show, one that should be footnoted as not a proper Test, is wide of the mark.
Test cricket is a rich tapestry, over two thousand matches and still growing. At times, as witnessed recently, the cricket ball moves excessively for the seamers. Sometimes, it grips and turns on a dust bowl. Sometimes, the pitch is flat as a pancake, other times it bounces unevenly.
The thrillers are all the more thrilling due to the time made during quieter periods.
Problem Solving: The True Test
Some factors are accepted more readily than others.
The argument in at the MCG was that the contest was weighted unfairly towards the fielding side. That the best players were prevented from demonstrating their skill.
This level of cricket is about finding solutions – assessing the situation and responding effectively. The top two individual innings were made by recognized batters. One line-up made more mistakes than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Sheer Celebration: The Supporters' View
Attempt to convince the supporters who have endured 18 winless matches that this wasn't compelling.
In a corner of the stadium, countless fans made noise and created an atmosphere, producing a festive mood in a heartland of national pride.
There was belief as the attack dominated, momentum when batters fought back, and pure joy when the win was secured.
Polar Opposites: The Variety of Test Matches
The Melbourne has previous experience with pitch problems. Eight years ago, a Test there featured a wicket with the character of a pulled Christmas cracker.
That match was a grind, with few wickets and endless boredom. This recent match and that slow Test are extreme ends of the range – both are not the standard, yet value can be ascribed to each.
Deep into the series into the Ashes contest, it is the two-day matches that will live longest in the history books.
"This isn't the end of the format at all," commented a past champion. "The people who have been fortunate to see these short time have been treated to some fantastic sport. An unusual spectacle."
Small Victories: Looking Ahead
In the preparation to this Test, the leader spoke like a man carrying the heavy burden on his mind.
The players responded for him, bringing back the smile to his countenance.
New faces performed with vital performances. These are incremental gains, not nearly enough to secure long-term success, but a starting point to use as a platform.
At the very least, this MCG win joins other memorable performances in dead rubbers.
As the crowd departed into a beautiful night, the team assembled on the outfield to start their own enjoyment.
Savour the moment, boys. You've earned this one.
