Amazon Originals latest docuseries ‘The Test: A new era for Australia’s team’ is just the fix a cricket addict needs in the absence of sporting action due to an unprecedented time in world history.
The eight-part series takes through Australia’s journey from the rock-bottom of Sandpaper Gate to the highs of retaining the Ashes in the subsequent season.
The reason why it is a must-watch for a cricket fanatic is that the audience gets never-seen-before footage of behind the scenes in a live international cricket match. Not only restricted to the pavilion but also to the preparations involved using strategy meetings, training sessions and much more.
The entire season revolves around former Australian opener Justin Langer’s quest of making a down and out Australian side and inculcating a new competitive culture in the squad.
The first half of the series deals with the struggles of the Kangaroos at the international stage in the absence of their batting stalwart Steve Smith and David Warner. The former captain and vice-captain duo were handed a one year ban by CA, after the scandal in South Africa.
Despite poor show against England in the ODI series in the summer of 2018, the Australian team displayed immense character during their tour of UAE facing Pakistan.
The show gained momentum in the third and fourth episodes, ‘The Test of Character’ and ‘White Noise’, which covers details of the high-octane Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Team India.
Director Adrian Brian did exceptionally well to showcase the sub-plots, blending it with mystical cinematic experiences.
Viewers go through the topsy-turvy ride with the ebbs and flows, crests and troughs of the Australian team which they went through during their tumultuous one-and-a-half-year period.
‘The Test’ also throws light on the sensitive and emotional side of cricketers, who were seen weeping on numerous occasions during harsh times.
The series culminates with the heartbreak of World Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of rivals England. And then, the Aussies finally got their revenge by retaining the Ashes, later in the summer.
Highlights of the eight-hour-long documentary include Aaron Finch comeback from a lean patch, the confrontations from hard-taskmaster Langer, mini love-story brewing between Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis. Also, the series concludes by depicting the story of Marnus Labuschagne coming off age beautifully.
However, the main event of the series arrives with Smith’s redemption in the Ashes, and how he turned abuse into applause by piling on a mountain of runs. All in all, ‘The Test’ is a must-watch not only for cricket lovers but also for those who enjoy a decent cinematographic experience.
