What we've learned from 1st test ?
Test Cricket is a game that never fails to surprise, whichever team your on.
Madge would love this game, ebbs and flows like you've never known.
And my next comments will not ring well with some - but I've played the game (in another era, for sure, and OK, at a lower level), seen amazing batters from all around the world and seen the advent of our modern game literally change the spectacle.
And the way the shorter form of the game has ruined batters' techniques, I shouldn't look too much for classy individuals, characterized by a blend of aesthetic elegance, beautiful footwork, and flawless fundamental skills. (Yes, I know the times have changed but what happened to the ability to execute shots with precision and minimal apparent effort, rather than raw power.)
imo, this Wham! Bam! approach to a 5 day match is not simply Bazball, or the heroics of Head yesterday, it's what the current generation of players perceive as the right way to approach things. Winning solves all sins.
And yes, as acknowledged, we are in different times and we all must move with the game.
But I like cricket as a chess match, with the ebbs and flows being from one session to the next right down to Day 5.
Not left to twiddle our thumbs on day3, 4 and 5.
Did I love that we won.
Yes.
Did I love how the game panned out.
No
What price the bookies might have given me for Lyon (the primary Aussie spinner) for a total of 2 overs in a 4 innings match?
Oh well, onto what comes in the Ashes next installment.
Just my feelings.
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