'Are You Not Entertained?' Why a 48-Hour Match Was No Less a Proper Test.

Within a glass case on the third floor of the iconic Melbourne stadium sits a electric pink outfit worn by the entertainer. The concert in front of a hundred thousand fans was considered a major hit.

It's possible you enjoy Robbie Williams. You might think he is the ultimate present to music in history. You might take a reasonable stance, admitting that some songs are excellent while others are terrible.

The central idea is that entertainment can manifest in countless ways. Tastes vary. There is no universal formula to produce literature or even the longest format.

The Peerless Spectrum of Test Cricket

The five-day game boasts unrivalled depth. One struggles 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. Above all is the pitch.

If Test cricket is art, the strip is the canvas on which the cricketers paint their masterpiece.

A Broken-Down Battle: The Melbourne Spectacle

The fourth Ashes Test between the two sides was the game deconstructed, the established format taken to pieces and reconstructed in an unusual manner.

It must be stated this is not a justification of the pitch which resulted in a win and the another short match of the contest.

Having a thick layer on the surface, leading to numerous dismissals tumbling in less than six sessions, is not a balanced duel between bat and ball.

A Varied History: The Essence of Test Cricket

But any idea this was a lesser event, one that should be marked with an asterisk as illegitimate, is mistaken.

Test cricket is a varied portfolio, 2,615 parts and still growing. At times, like in Melbourne, the cricket ball moves excessively for the fast men. Sometimes, it turns square on a dry surface. At other venues, the pitch is unresponsive, other times it explodes.

The exciting finishes are even more exciting due to the patience made during quieter periods.

Adjustment: The Real Challenge

Certain variables are tolerated more easily than others.

The contention in at the MCG was that the balance was skewed excessively towards the attack. That the top batters were unable from showcasing their talents.

This level of cricket is about problem solving – assessing the situation and adapting accordingly. The two highest individual contributions were made by recognized players. One side was less disciplined than the other, and thus lost.

Sheer Celebration: For Those Who Waited

Attempt to convince the devotees who have endured a long drought that this was not entertaining.

In one section of the stadium, countless fans waved their flags and sang their songs, generating a party atmosphere in a bastion of sport.

There was hope as the attack surged, momentum when batters scored quickly, and pure joy when the result was achieved.

Contrasting Examples: The Spectrum of Test Matches

The Melbourne has a history with difficult wickets. Previously, a match there featured a wicket with the character of a pulled Christmas cracker.

That contest was a marathon, with limited drama and endless boredom. This recent match and that previous match are polar opposites of the range – both are not perfect, yet value can be ascribed to each.

Four Tests into the Ashes contest, it is the two-day matches that will live longest in the collective consciousness.

"This isn't the death of Test cricket at all," observed a veteran. "The people who have been lucky enough to see these two days have been treated to some fantastic sport. An unusual spectacle."

Baby Steps: Looking Ahead

In the preparation to this Test, the captain spoke like a man carrying the heavy burden on his mind.

The players responded for him, reinstating the smile to his face.

Different players performed with key contributions. These are small positives, hardly enough to guarantee long-term futures, but a foundation to develop from.

Ultimately, this Melbourne victory joins other memorable performances in similar circumstances.

As the fans departed into a glorious Melbourne evening, the team congregated on the field to start their own festivities.

Savour the moment, lads. You've earned this one.