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'The Test' a rare insight into a reformed Australian side

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Roar Guru
6th April, 2020
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In a world in the depths of a chilling crisis none of us had ever imagined, the suspending of sporting competitions means nothing.

Job losses and stand downs with no end in sight has ripped the heart out of people’s lives. Not for sport lost but for personal circumstance.

Others are not impacted at all and some not so much. There is not broad brush to paint this picture. While most of Europe is shut people are at home in self isolation and are watching an increasing amount of TV.

A companion to most, the giggle box is where we get the news of horrors present and solace in escape. And so it is that we as a county of sports fanatics can turn onto numerous OTT streaming platforms to be entertained in dark times.

Amazon has a rich history in producing quality documentaries in their All or Nothing series where they followed Manchester City and numerous NFL teams.

‘The Test’ adds to that list. The star is new coach Justin Langer who is praised as a gritty left handed opening bat, who through skill and resilience played over 100 Tests in the baggy green.

A successful Scorchers BBL coach, he was tapped on the shoulder after Darren ‘Boof’ Lehmann decided to pull up stumps after Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft pushed the trolley down the tradesman aisle at Bunnings.

Following the team through a home series and tours of India and the UK, all the members of the squad use candour and play their part in weaving a rich portrait of how life is on the road and in the exalted circles of the national team.

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This is not spin. This is raw and an eye opener even to someone who follows the game closely. While Langer is the star, Nathan Lyon is the face of humility in a squad of millionaires.

The GOAT is as respected as any and is a surprisingly eloquent speaker as he presents Travis Head with his cap and leads the team in “Under the Southern Cross I Stand”.

Well edited and narrated, this gives us a not so much fly-on-the-wall experience but a slap to the chops if we thought cricket had lost its way.

Banter but don’t abuse is the Langer mantra which the team has embraced. Superb viewing even if cricket is not your go. With no live sport on, this hits the mark extremely well.

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