Displayed inside a display cabinet on the upper level of the MCG is housed a electric pink ensemble donned by the pop star. His concert in front of 100,024 fans was seen as a success.
Perhaps you don't appreciate Robbie Williams. You might think he is the greatest gift to music known to man. You might take a reasonable stance, admitting that some hits are excellent while others are awful.
The point being is that amusement can take many forms. Preferences differ. There is not a single method to craft art or even five-day cricket.
The Incomparable Variety of Test Cricket
The five-day game boasts unrivalled depth. It's difficult to think of another sport where the playing is so dependent on conditions.
The weather, the time of day, the ball – the factors are countless. Most important is the playing surface.
If the long game is art, the pitch is the foundation on which the players craft their legacy.
A Broken-Down Battle: The Melbourne Spectacle
The fourth Ashes Test between the old rivals was the game deconstructed, the traditional sport dismantled and reassembled in an unusual manner.
Let's be clear, this isn't a endorsement of the surface which resulted in a triumph and the another short match of the contest.
Having 10mm of grass on the wicket, causing 36 wickets being taken in less than two days, is not a balanced duel between offense and defense.
A Diverse Legacy: The Core of Test Cricket
But any suggestion this was a lesser event, one that should be marked with an asterisk as inauthentic, is wide of the mark.
The format is a rich tapestry, 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 unresponsive, other times it bounces unevenly.
The thrillers are even more exciting because of the patience made during quieter periods.
Adaptation: The Core Skill
Specific conditions are tolerated more easily than others.
The debate in Melbourne was that the equilibrium was weighted unfairly towards the bowlers. That the skilled individuals were unable from showcasing their talents.
This level of cricket is about problem solving – interpreting the conditions and adjusting appropriately. The best individual innings were made by acknowledged players. One side was less disciplined than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Unbridled Joy: The Supporters' View
Try telling the supporters who have suffered 18 winless matches that this was not entertaining.
Among the crowd of the stadium, thousands made noise and sang their songs, fostering a party atmosphere in a heartland of sport.
There was belief as the fielding side dominated, advantage when batters scored quickly, and rapturous celebration when the win was secured.
Extreme Ends: The Range of Test Matches
The venue has form with controversial surfaces. Eight years ago, a match there featured a wicket with the character of a pulled Christmas cracker.
That fixture was a slog, with limited drama and endless boredom. The two-day game and that previous match are diametrically opposed points of the range – both are not perfect, yet historical weight can be found in both.
At this stage into the ongoing battle, it is the shortest games that will remain iconic in the memory.
"It's not the demise of the format at all," said a former player. "Spectators who have been fortunate to see these short time have been experienced some fantastic sport. A unique show."
Baby Steps: A Glimmer of Hope
In the lead-in to this match, the skipper addressed the media like a man carrying the weight of the world on his mind.
The players delivered for him, bringing back the positive demeanor to his persona.
Emerging talents stepped up with crucial roles. These are baby steps, hardly enough to secure long-term stability, but a foundation to build on.
Ultimately, this MCG win is added to other notable performances in meaningless games.
As the fans left into a stunning sunset, the team assembled on the outfield to begin their own enjoyment.
Enjoy the drink, men. This victory was hard-fought.
