In a glass case on the elevated floor of the iconic Melbourne stadium sits a vibrant pink ensemble worn by Robbie Williams. His show in front of a hundred thousand attendees was seen as a success.
Perhaps you don't enjoy Robbie Williams. You might think he is the ultimate present to music known to man. You might take a middle ground, admitting that some tracks are belting while others are poor.
The central idea is that amusement can be delivered diversely. Tastes vary. There is not a single method to craft music or even Test cricket.
The Peerless Spectrum of The Long Game
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 climate, the session, the red ball – the list is endless. Crucially is the pitch.
If Test cricket is an artistic pursuit, the wicket is the canvas on which the athletes craft their legacy.
A Test of Cubism: The MCG Match
The recent Melbourne match between the old rivals was the game deconstructed, the traditional sport taken to pieces and stuck back together in a bizarre shape.
It must be stated this is not a endorsement of the wicket which produced a victory and the another short match of the Ashes battle.
Having a thick layer on the surface, resulting in a cascade of wickets tumbling in less than two days, is not a fair contest between offense and defense.
A Varied History: The Core of Test Cricket
But any idea this was a inferior show, one that should be marked with an asterisk as inauthentic, is wide of the mark.
The format is a varied portfolio, a long history and ongoing. On occasion, like in Melbourne, the ball does all sorts for the pace bowlers. In contrast, it grips and turns on a dust bowl. At other venues, the pitch is dead, other times it explodes.
The exciting finishes are particularly captivating because of the time devoted in other matches.
Problem Solving: The True Test
Certain variables are accepted more freely than others.
The debate in Melbourne was that the equilibrium was tipped too far towards the bowlers. That the best players were unable from showcasing their talents.
Test cricket is about problem solving – assessing the conditions and responding appropriately. The two highest individual scores were made by world-class stars. One side made more mistakes than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Pure Elation: The Supporters' View
Try telling the supporters who have endured years of defeat that this wasn't compelling.
In a corner of the stadium, countless fans celebrated and sang their songs, producing a carnival vibe in a bastion of sport.
There was optimism as the fielding side surged, momentum when batters fought back, and unconditional love when the win was achieved.
Polar Opposites: The Spectrum of Test Matches
The MCG has form with difficult wickets. Previously, a match there featured a strip with the character of a a damp squib.
That fixture was a slog, with limited drama and interminable tedium. The latest encounter and that previous match are extreme ends of the range – both are not perfect, yet value can be attached to them.
At this stage into the Ashes contest, it is the quick finishes that will be most remembered in the collective consciousness.
"Far from being the death of the long game at all," said a past champion. "Fans who have been lucky enough to see these two days have been experienced some genuine drama. A unique show."
Signs of Progress: Looking Ahead
In the build-up to this match, the skipper talked like a man carrying the heavy burden on his back.
The squad delivered for him, bringing back the positive demeanor to his persona.
New faces performed with vital performances. These are incremental gains, certainly not enough to guarantee long-term futures, but a foundation to use as a platform.
Ultimately, this triumph joins other memorable performances in dead rubbers.
As the supporters departed into a stunning sunset, the players congregated on the outfield to begin their own festivities.
Celebrate the win, men. This victory was hard-fought.
