In a glass case on the third floor of the MCG sits a vibrant pink outfit worn by the pop star. His show in front of a hundred thousand attendees was hailed as a major hit.
You might not like the performer. Maybe you feel he is the ultimate present to music known to man. Alternatively, you may hold a balanced view, conceding that some tracks are excellent while others are poor.
The central idea is that entertainment can manifest in countless ways. Tastes vary. There is not a single method to craft literature or even the longest format.
The Unrivalled Depth of The Test Format
The traditional format boasts incomparable variety. It's difficult to think of another sport where the contest is so dependent on external factors.
The climate, the hour of play, the red ball – the list is endless. Above all is the pitch.
If Test cricket is a form of art, the pitch is the canvas on which the athletes create their art.
An Abstract Contest: The Fourth Test
The recent Melbourne match between the old rivals was the game deconstructed, the traditional sport dismantled and reassembled in a bizarre shape.
It must be stated this is not a endorsement of the surface which resulted in a win and the second two-day Test of the Ashes battle.
Leaving 10mm of grass on the pitch, resulting in 36 wickets falling in less than two days, is not a balanced duel between bat and ball.
A Diverse Legacy: The Core of Test Cricket
But any idea this was a lesser event, one that should be marked with an asterisk as illegitimate, is incorrect.
The long game is a diverse canvas, 2,615 parts and counting. At times, like in Melbourne, the cricket ball does all sorts for the fast men. In contrast, it spins sharply on a dry surface. At other venues, the pitch is dead, other times it explodes.
The exciting finishes are particularly captivating due to the investment committed during quieter periods.
Problem Solving: The True Test
Specific conditions are embraced more readily than others.
The contention in during the match was that the equilibrium was tipped too far towards the fielding side. That the skilled individuals were hindered from playing their natural game.
The format is about adapting to challenges – assessing the situation and responding accordingly. The top two individual innings were made by acknowledged players. One line-up was less disciplined than the other, and thus were defeated.
Sheer Celebration: For Those Who Waited
Try telling the fans who have endured 18 winless matches that this wasn't compelling.
In one section of the stadium, thousands made noise and sang their songs, producing a carnival vibe in a stronghold of national pride.
There was optimism as the attack excelled, impetus when batters fought back, and unconditional love when the result was secured.
Extreme Ends: The Range of Test Matches
The venue has a history with difficult wickets. Previously, a match there featured a pitch with the character of a a non-event.
That match was a slog, with limited drama and slow play. The latest encounter and that slow Test are extreme ends of the scale – one is not more perfect, yet significance can be attached to both.
At this stage into the current series, it is the quick finishes that will be most remembered in the collective consciousness.
"This isn't the demise of Test cricket at all," commented a past champion. "The people who have been lucky enough to see these short time have been experienced some real entertainment. A unique show."
Signs of Progress: Looking Ahead
In the build-up to this match, the leader addressed the media like a man carrying the heavy burden on his back.
The squad protected him, restoring the smile to his countenance.
Different players stepped up with key contributions. These are baby steps, not nearly enough to ensure long-term futures, but something to use as a platform.
Ultimately, this triumph joins other memorable performances in meaningless games.
As the supporters departed into a stunning sunset, the team assembled on the turf to start their own celebrations.
Savour the moment, boys. This victory was hard-fought.
