Review of The Test
It’s a difficult period which we are trying to survive not just as a cricket fan but as a human being. The coronavirus scare has put our world into a halt. All meetings, matches, shows, movies everything has been cancelled and suspended for future. As a cricket fan though we are still left with The Test that was released on Amazon Prime Video at just the right moment. Being an Australian cricket team fan, this was a big treat for me on a Saturday when I couldn’t go out due to shut down of literally everything.
It comprises of eight episodes summarizing the journey of Australian cricket team from the Sandpaper cheating scandal to retaining the Ashes. Every cricket fan who has been curious to know more about the cricket players, their management, coaches and support staff beyond the game of cricket would love to watch this show and will fulfil their childhood fantasy. You will know the Australian team beyond the cricket ground. You will move on from hating Tim Paine for just being lucky of getting the captaincy without deserving it to respecting this lad who led the team at a crucial time when Australian cricket was in crisis with no great players by his side.
You have always admired Justin Langer as a player who was a part of the best cricket team of the history but you will start respecting him more knowing and understanding his journey as a coach of an inexperienced squad. By looking at their emotions, hard work and growth in the game would make you relate with each player of the Australian team!
This is an honest show that displayed both the victories and defeats of the Australian team equally. It was a bit strange to see not so aggressive and emotional Australian team but you would connect with them easily. They appreciated Kohli, Stokes and every good cricketer that made this show completely unbiased. It has everything, right from the feeling of patriotism to loving this game of cricket, from bromance and bonding between Zampa and Stoinis, Steve and Marnus to the concussion episode that shook every cricket fan. Whether it was the nightmare at Headingly when Stokes and Jack Leach final wicket partnership ruined the chance of Australia to win the Ashes to becoming better in the game, it kept me glued to the show! It is for every cricket fan who is emotionally connected to the game of cricket and not just a show only for Australian fan!
It shows the journey of Steve Smith from being called a cheater to being applauded by the same English audience! His mindset dealing with the abuses from the English spectators taught everyone that he is completely focused towards his game and there is nothing that can break his talent and hard work. David Warner was a bit vulnerable in the starting during his return to the squad but he managed to excel once he started believing in himself and stopped fearing.
The most important character in the whole series is of Justin Langer. From Handling a fearful, vulnerable squad to making them better at their game, this man was the best choice for Australian’s coach. He is the hero of the show; his anger, emotions, determination, hunger for a win, everything was so real about him and not like actors who imitate!
Watch it to celebrate cricket, to celebrate hard work and to celebrate the growth of Australian cricket.