'Are You Not Entertained?' Why a Shortened Test Deserved Its Status as a Authentic Test.

Within a showcase on the elevated floor of the MCG rests a neon pink outfit donned by the entertainer. The concert in front of a massive crowd of spectators was considered a triumph.

It's possible you like the performer. You might think he is the ultimate present to music the world has ever seen. Or you could adopt a balanced view, acknowledging that some songs are belting while others are terrible.

The key argument is that amusement can take many forms. Preferences differ. There is not a single method to produce music or even Test cricket.

The Peerless Spectrum of The Long Game

Test cricket boasts unrivalled depth. It's difficult to think of another sport where the outcome is so reliant upon the environment.

The climate, the session, the ball – the factors are countless. Above all is the playing surface.

If Test cricket is an artistic pursuit, the wicket is the canvas on which the players create their art.

A Test of Cubism: The MCG Match

The recent Melbourne match between Australia and England was the game deconstructed, the established format dismantled and stuck back together in abstract form.

It must be stated this is not a justification of the pitch which yielded a win and the another short match of the series.

Leaving 10mm of grass on the surface, causing 36 wickets falling in less than a brief period, is not a fair contest between batter and bowler.

A Rich Tapestry: The Essence of Test Cricket

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

Test cricket is a diverse canvas, a long history and counting. On occasion, like in Melbourne, the ball moves excessively for the fast men. In contrast, it turns square on a spinning track. Sometimes, the pitch is flat as a pancake, other times it spits like a cobra.

The close matches are particularly captivating due to the patience made in other matches.

Adjustment: The True Test

Specific conditions are embraced more easily than others.

The debate in during the match was that the balance was skewed excessively towards the bowlers. That the top batters were hindered from showcasing their talents.

This level of cricket is about adapting to challenges – interpreting the conditions and adapting appropriately. The best individual innings were made by world-class players. One line-up made more mistakes than the other, and thus were defeated.

Pure Elation: The Supporters' View

Attempt to convince the supporters who have suffered 18 winless matches that this wasn't compelling.

In one section of the stadium, countless fans waved their flags and chanted, producing a festive mood in a stronghold of sport.

There was hope as the fielding side dominated, impetus when the top order responded, and rapturous celebration when the victory was confirmed.

Contrasting Examples: The Spectrum of Test Matches

The venue has previous experience with controversial surfaces. Eight years ago, a match there featured a wicket with all the life of a pulled Christmas cracker.

That match was a marathon, with few wickets and endless boredom. The latest encounter and that previous match are diametrically opposed points of the spectrum – neither perfect, yet significance can be attached to them.

Deep into the series into the Ashes contest, it is the shortest games that will be most remembered in the history books.

"It's not the death of the long game at all," said a veteran. "Spectators who have been fortunate to see these 48 hours have been given some real entertainment. Different entertainment."

Signs of Progress: A Glimmer of Hope

In the build-up to this match, the skipper talked like a man carrying the enormous pressure on his shoulders.

The players protected him, bringing back the positive demeanor to his countenance.

Different players stepped up with key contributions. These are baby steps, hardly enough to ensure long-term futures, but a starting point to use as a platform.

In the end, this Melbourne victory joins other notable performances in similar circumstances.

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

Savour the moment, men. It's well deserved.