In a glass case on the upper level of the iconic Melbourne stadium is housed a neon pink ensemble performed in by the entertainer. The performance in front of a massive crowd of spectators was seen as a success.
It's possible you like his music. You might think he is the greatest gift to music in history. You might take a middle ground, acknowledging that some songs are excellent while others are poor.
The central idea is that amusement can manifest in countless ways. You like what you like. There is not a single method to craft art or even the longest format.
The Incomparable Variety of Test Cricket
Test cricket boasts peerless complexity. One struggles to think of another sport where the contest is so dependent on conditions.
The elements, the time of day, the ball – the factors are countless. Above all is the pitch.
If the long game is a form of art, the pitch is the canvas on which the players paint their masterpiece.
A Test of Cubism: The Melbourne Spectacle
The Boxing Day fixture between the two sides was an abstract version of cricket, the established format broken apart and reassembled in abstract form.
Let's be clear, this isn't a justification of the pitch which yielded a victory and the another short match of the Ashes battle.
Allowing 10mm of grass on the surface, resulting in numerous dismissals falling in less than a brief period, is not an even battle between bat and ball.
A Diverse Legacy: The Nature of Test Cricket
But any idea this was a diminished spectacle, one that should be qualified as not a proper Test, is mistaken.
The long game is a diverse canvas, over two thousand matches and ongoing. At times, as seen at the MCG, the cricket ball does all sorts for the pace bowlers. Other times, it spins sharply on a spinning track. At other venues, the pitch is unresponsive, other times it explodes.
The exciting finishes are particularly captivating because of the patience made during quieter periods.
Problem Solving: The True Test
Some factors are tolerated more freely than others.
The debate in Melbourne was that the balance was tipped too far towards the bowlers. That the top batters were unable from showcasing their talents.
This level of cricket is about adapting to challenges – reading the conditions and adjusting appropriately. The top two individual scores were made by recognized batters. One line-up made more mistakes than the other, and thus were defeated.
Sheer Celebration: The Fan Perspective
Attempt to convince the supporters who have suffered a long drought that this wasn't compelling.
In a corner of the ground, countless fans made noise and sang their songs, fostering a party atmosphere in a heartland of national pride.
There was hope as the fielding side surged, advantage when the top order fought back, and pure joy when the result was secured.
Contrasting Examples: The Range of Test Matches
The venue has a history with difficult wickets. Eight years ago, a match there featured a strip with the character of a a damp squib.
That contest was a marathon, with limited drama and endless boredom. The two-day game and that previous match are polar opposites of the spectrum – one is not more ideal, yet significance can be ascribed to both.
Deep into the series into the current series, it is the quick finishes that will remain iconic in the history books.
"Far from being the demise of Test cricket at all," commented a past champion. "The people who have been fortunate to see these 48 hours have been treated to some fantastic sport. A unique show."
Baby Steps: A Glimmer of Hope
In the build-up to this Test, the skipper addressed the media like a man carrying the enormous pressure on his back.
The squad responded for him, bringing back the joy to his persona.
Emerging talents delivered with vital performances. These are small positives, certainly not enough to secure long-term stability, but a foundation to develop from.
In the end, this triumph takes its place among other memorable performances in meaningless games.
As the fans left into a beautiful night, the squad gathered on the turf to begin their own celebrations.
Savour the moment, lads. This victory was hard-fought.
