In a glass case on the upper level of the Melbourne Cricket Ground rests a vibrant pink ensemble donned by Robbie Williams. His show in front of a hundred thousand spectators was seen as a triumph.
Perhaps you don't enjoy his music. You might think he is the finest offering to music in history. Alternatively, you may hold a reasonable stance, conceding that some hits are fantastic while others are terrible.
The point being is that amusement can take many forms. Tastes vary. There is no universal formula to produce literature or even the longest format.
The Peerless Spectrum of The Long Game
The traditional format boasts peerless complexity. It's difficult to think of another sport where the outcome is so reliant upon conditions.
The weather, the time of day, the cricket ball – the variables are numerous. Most important is the pitch.
If the format is an artistic pursuit, the strip is the canvas on which the cricketers paint their masterpiece.
A Test of Cubism: The Melbourne Spectacle
The Boxing Day fixture between the old rivals was Test cricket cubism, the traditional sport broken apart and stuck back together in an unusual manner.
It must be stated this is not a defence of the pitch which yielded a triumph and the another short match of the contest.
Leaving excessive grass on the pitch, leading to numerous dismissals falling in less than a brief period, is not an even battle between offense and defense.
A Diverse Legacy: The Essence of Test Cricket
But any notion this was a diminished spectacle, one that should be marked with an asterisk as inauthentic, is wide of the mark.
Test cricket is a diverse canvas, 2,615 parts and counting. At times, like in Melbourne, the cricket ball moves excessively for the fast men. Sometimes, it grips and turns on a spinning track. Sometimes, the pitch is dead, other times it spits like a cobra.
The exciting finishes are particularly captivating owing to the investment made during quieter periods.
Problem Solving: The Real Challenge
Certain variables are embraced more freely than others.
The debate in Melbourne was that the equilibrium was weighted unfairly towards the bowlers. That the best players were prevented from playing their natural game.
This level of cricket is about problem solving – assessing the wicket and responding appropriately. The two highest individual innings were made by recognized batters. One line-up was less disciplined than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Pure Elation: The Fan Perspective
Try telling the fans who have endured years of defeat that this wasn't compelling.
Among the crowd of the MCG, thousands waved their flags and chanted, producing a carnival vibe in a stronghold of Australian cricket.
There was hope as the bowlers surged, impetus when players fought back, and rapturous celebration when the win was achieved.
Contrasting Examples: The Variety of Test Matches
The MCG has form with pitch problems. Eight years ago, a game there featured a strip with the excitement of a a non-event.
That match was a slog, with few wickets and endless boredom. This recent match and that previous match are extreme ends of the scale – both are not the standard, yet value can be found in them.
Four Tests into the Ashes contest, it is the quick finishes that will remain iconic in the collective consciousness.
"It's not the demise of Test cricket at all," observed a past champion. "The people who have been fortunate to see these two days have been treated to some genuine drama. Different entertainment."
Small Victories: A Glimmer of Hope
In the preparation to this match, the leader talked like a man carrying the heavy burden on his shoulders.
The players delivered for him, reinstating the smile to his face.
Different players delivered with key contributions. These are baby steps, hardly enough to ensure long-term success, but a foundation to build on.
Ultimately, this triumph joins other notable performances in dead rubbers.
As the supporters left into a stunning sunset, the players congregated on the outfield to begin their own festivities.
Savour the moment, men. You've earned this one.
