Within a glass case on the upper level of the MCG rests a neon pink outfit performed in by the pop star. The concert in front of 100,024 attendees was seen as a triumph.
Perhaps you don't enjoy his music. You might think he is the finest offering to music known to man. Or you could adopt a reasonable stance, conceding that some hits are fantastic while others are terrible.
The point being is that amusement can be delivered diversely. Preferences differ. There is no one way to create music or even five-day cricket.
The Peerless Spectrum of Test Cricket
The five-day game boasts unrivalled depth. It's difficult to think of another sport where the contest is so dependent on the environment.
The weather, the time of day, the cricket ball – the variables are numerous. Most important is the playing surface.
If Test cricket is art, the strip is the foundation on which the players paint their masterpiece.
A Broken-Down Battle: The Melbourne Spectacle
The recent Melbourne match between Australia and England was the game deconstructed, the great game dismantled and reconstructed in abstract form.
It must be stated this is not a endorsement of the pitch which resulted in a win and the another sub-three-day finish of the contest.
Leaving a thick layer on the wicket, leading to 36 wickets tumbling in less than six sessions, is not an even battle between offense and defense.
A Rich Tapestry: The Essence of Test Cricket
But any idea this was a inferior show, one that should be qualified as not a proper Test, is wide of the mark.
Test cricket is a diverse canvas, 2,615 parts and ongoing. On occasion, like in Melbourne, the ball does all sorts for the pace bowlers. Sometimes, it spins sharply on a dust bowl. Sometimes, the pitch is dead, other times it explodes.
The thrillers are particularly captivating due to the patience devoted during quieter periods.
Adjustment: The True Test
Certain variables are embraced more readily than others.
The contention in at the MCG was that the balance was skewed excessively towards the fielding side. That the best players were unable from demonstrating their skill.
This level of cricket is about finding solutions – assessing the conditions and responding effectively. The best individual innings were made by recognized stars. One team committed more errors than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Sheer Celebration: The Supporters' View
Attempt to convince the supporters who have experienced a long drought that this wasn't compelling.
In one section of the stadium, thousands made noise and chanted, fostering a party atmosphere in a heartland of national pride.
There was belief as the attack excelled, momentum when batters responded, and rapturous celebration when the result was secured.
Contrasting Examples: The Range of Test Matches
The Melbourne has previous experience with difficult wickets. Eight years ago, a game there featured a pitch with all the life of a a non-event.
That contest was a grind, with few wickets and endless boredom. This recent match and that previous match are diametrically opposed points of the spectrum – one is not more ideal, yet value can be ascribed to both.
Deep into the series into the Ashes contest, it is the quick finishes that will remain iconic in the history books.
"This isn't the death of the long game at all," observed a past champion. "Fans who have been privileged to see these 48 hours have been given some genuine drama. Different entertainment."
Signs of Progress: A Glimmer of Hope
In the build-up to this match, the skipper spoke like a man carrying the heavy burden on his mind.
The squad protected him, bringing back the positive demeanor to his countenance.
Emerging talents stepped up with vital performances. These are baby steps, hardly enough to ensure long-term stability, but something to use as a platform.
In the end, this Melbourne victory takes its place among other notable performances in dead rubbers.
As the crowd departed into a glorious Melbourne evening, the squad assembled on the field to begin their own enjoyment.
Savour the moment, lads. You've earned this one.
