Within a glass case on the third floor of the MCG is housed a vibrant pink outfit donned by the pop star. The concert in front of a massive crowd of fans was seen as a major hit.
It's possible you appreciate his music. You might think he is the finest offering to music the world has ever seen. Or you could adopt a middle ground, conceding that some hits are excellent while others are terrible.
The key argument is that amusement can manifest in countless ways. Preferences differ. There is no one way to craft music or even Test cricket.
The Unrivalled Depth of The Long Game
The traditional format boasts unrivalled depth. It is hard to think of another sport where the outcome is so dictated by external factors.
The elements, the session, the ball – the variables are numerous. Crucially is the playing surface.
If the long game is a form of art, the strip is the blank slate on which the players paint their masterpiece.
A Broken-Down Battle: The MCG Match
The fourth Ashes Test between the old rivals was an abstract version of cricket, the traditional sport broken apart and reassembled in a bizarre shape.
It must be stated this is not a defence of the surface which resulted in a win and the second two-day Test of the Ashes battle.
Leaving 10mm of grass on the wicket, causing a cascade of wickets falling in less than a brief period, is not an even battle between batter and bowler.
A Rich Tapestry: The Nature of Test Cricket
But any suggestion this was a diminished spectacle, one that should be marked with an asterisk as illegitimate, is wide of the mark.
The long game is a diverse canvas, over two thousand matches and still growing. On occasion, as seen at the MCG, the cricket ball does all sorts for the pace bowlers. Other times, it spins sharply on a dust bowl. At other venues, the pitch is unresponsive, other times it spits like a cobra.
The close matches are even more exciting due to the patience devoted during quieter periods.
Adaptation: The True Test
Certain variables are embraced more readily than others.
The contention in at the MCG was that the contest was skewed excessively towards the attack. That the best players were unable from showcasing their talents.
The format is about problem solving – assessing the situation and adjusting accordingly. The two highest individual contributions were made by recognized batters. One team made more mistakes than the other, and thus were defeated.
Sheer Celebration: The Supporters' View
Go and inform the fans who have endured 18 winless matches that this wasn't compelling.
In a corner of the stadium, a sea of people celebrated and created an atmosphere, generating a carnival vibe in a heartland of sport.
There was hope as the bowlers surged, advantage when batters fought back, and unconditional love when the win was achieved.
Polar Opposites: The Spectrum of Test Matches
The MCG has form with pitch problems. Previously, a game there featured a wicket with the excitement of a pulled Christmas cracker.
That fixture was a slog, with few wickets and endless boredom. The two-day game and that previous match are polar opposites of the spectrum – neither ideal, yet significance can be attached to each.
Four Tests into the Ashes contest, it is the shortest games that will live longest in the collective consciousness.
"Far from being the end of the long game at all," commented a veteran. "The people who have been fortunate to see these short time have been experienced some fantastic sport. Different entertainment."
Baby Steps: A Glimmer of Hope
In the build-up to this Test, the captain talked like a man carrying the heavy burden on his mind.
The players protected him, restoring the positive demeanor to his face.
Different players delivered with key contributions. These are incremental gains, hardly enough to guarantee long-term stability, but a starting point to build on.
At the very least, this Melbourne victory joins other memorable performances in similar circumstances.
As the fans left into a glorious Melbourne evening, the squad assembled on the outfield to commence their own celebrations.
Savour the moment, lads. You've earned this one.
