In a showcase on the elevated floor of the iconic Melbourne stadium sits a electric pink outfit worn by the entertainer. The concert in front of a massive crowd of fans was seen as a triumph.
Perhaps you don't appreciate Robbie Williams. You might think he is the greatest gift to music in history. Or you could adopt a middle ground, admitting that some hits are fantastic while others are poor.
The point being is that amusement can manifest in countless ways. Preferences differ. There is no universal formula to create music or even Test cricket.
The Peerless Spectrum of The Test Format
The traditional format boasts unrivalled depth. It is hard to think of another sport where the outcome is so dependent on conditions.
The climate, the hour of play, the ball – the list is endless. Above all is the playing surface.
If the format is art, the wicket is the canvas on which the cricketers paint their masterpiece.
A Test of Cubism: The Fourth Test
The fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England was Test cricket cubism, the traditional sport dismantled and reconstructed in an unusual manner.
It must be stated this is not a justification of the pitch which yielded a win and the second two-day Test of the contest.
Having excessive grass on the pitch, leading to a cascade of wickets falling in less than a brief period, is not a balanced duel between batter and bowler.
A Rich Tapestry: The Core of Test Cricket
But any notion this was a lesser event, one that should be footnoted as not a proper Test, is wide of the mark.
Test cricket is a diverse canvas, a long history and ongoing. At times, as seen at the MCG, the cricket ball does all sorts for the seamers. Other times, it spins sharply on a dry surface. At other venues, the pitch is dead, other times it explodes.
The close matches are particularly captivating due to the patience devoted during quieter periods.
Adjustment: The Real Challenge
Some factors are embraced more easily than others.
The argument in at the MCG was that the balance was weighted unfairly towards the bowlers. That the top batters were hindered from showcasing their talents.
Test cricket is about problem solving – interpreting the conditions and adapting effectively. The two highest individual innings were made by world-class batters. One line-up was less disciplined than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Pure Elation: For Those Who Waited
Attempt to convince the fans who have endured a long drought that this was not entertaining.
Among the crowd of the ground, countless fans waved their flags and sang their songs, producing a festive mood in a stronghold of national pride.
There was belief as the attack surged, impetus when batters responded, and pure joy when the victory was confirmed.
Extreme Ends: The Variety of Test Matches
The MCG has previous experience with pitch problems. Eight years ago, a game there featured a strip with the character of a a non-event.
That contest was a grind, with minimal action and slow play. This recent match and that drawn affair are diametrically opposed points of the spectrum – one is not more the standard, yet value can be ascribed to each.
Deep into the series into the current series, it is the quick finishes that will be most remembered in the memory.
"This isn't the death of Test cricket at all," commented a veteran. "Fans who have been lucky enough to see these 48 hours have been experienced some genuine drama. A unique show."
Baby Steps: Looking Ahead
In the lead-in to this match, the leader spoke like a man carrying the enormous pressure on his shoulders.
The squad protected him, bringing back the smile to his face.
Emerging talents stepped up with crucial roles. These are baby steps, not nearly enough to secure long-term stability, but something to build on.
In the end, this Melbourne victory joins other memorable performances in dead rubbers.
As the supporters slipped away into a stunning sunset, the team assembled on the field to begin their own celebrations.
Celebrate the win, lads. You've earned this one.
