England claim chaotic two-day Test victory in Melbourne
‘Are you not entertained?’ Why two-dayer was no less of a Test
In a display case on the third floor of the Melbourne Cricket Ground lies a vibrant pink suit that Robbie Williams donned for his performance at the 2022 AFL grand final. The singer’s act in front of 100,024 football enthusiasts was regarded as a triumph. You may have reservations about Robbie Williams. Perhaps you view him as the pinnacle of musical talent. Or you might find a balance, recognizing that “Kids” is an outstanding hit while “Rudebox” leaves much to be desired. The underlying concept is that entertainment comes in various forms. Your preferences are unique. There are countless methods to create music, literature, or even Test cricket. Test cricket possesses unparalleled complexity. It’s challenging to identify a sport where the gameplay is as influenced by conditions. The weather, time of day, and the ball – the list goes on. However, the most crucial factor is the pitch. If Test cricket is likened to art, then the pitch serves as the canvas where players craft their masterpiece. The fourth Ashes Test held between Australia and England at the MCG resembled cubism in Test cricket, dissecting the game and reassembling it in an abstract manner, highlighted by Brydon Carse batting at number three. This is not an endorsement of the pitch that facilitated England’s first Test victory in this nation in nearly 15 years, nor the second two-day Test of the series. Leaving 10mm of grass on the surface, which led to 36 wickets tumbling in under six sessions, does not create a balanced contest between bat and ball. Not merely the Boxing Day Test, but more aptly termed the Boxing Days Test. Yet any claim that this was a subpar spectacle, one deserving of an asterisk in history as an improper Test, misses the mark. Test cricket is a diverse fabric, 2,615 components and still counting. At times, like in Melbourne, the ball behaves unpredictably for seamers, while on other occasions, it turns drastically on a dry pitch. Some surfaces are flatter than a pancake, whereas others can be as unpredictable as a snake. Certain matches can drag on indefinitely, while others conclude in a flash. This is the reality we all accept when we invest time in the sport. The thrill of nail-biting matches is magnified because of the time invested elsewhere.
Published: 2025-12-27 13:07:00
source: www.bbc.com
