Around the midway point of the second episode of the recently released season of The Test, an unexpected drama unfolds, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. During a crucial moment, English batter Jonny Bairstow ducks a bouncer, sending the ball to the wicketkeeper. As he walks out of the crease, music in the background intensifies the tension, foreboding an imminent twist. And it indeed happens—Bairstow, under the impression that the over has ended, steps out of his crease, only for Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey to swiftly throw at the stumps, resulting in a controversial dismissal.
“You know, sort of within one ball, yeah, it happened,” Carey recounts in the docuseries, reflecting on the split-second decision that would reverberate across the series. The incident triggered an intense reaction from the crowd at Lord’s Cricket Ground, who chanted, “Same old Aussies, always cheating,” as a visibly dejected Bairstow made his way off the field. This scenario mirrored the high-stakes intermission of an action-packed thriller movie, leaving fans buzzing during the break.
The third season of The Test, a gripping sports docu-series chronicling the journey of the Australian men’s cricket team, is replete with such riveting moments. Following the Bairstow runout, Alex Carey found himself vilified by the English public, a psychological burden that his teammate Steve Smith discusses candidly in the series. The Test, in its documentary format, paints a picture of cricket that resembles a war movie, given the five-day battle where strategies and emotions run high. Each day, each session is laden with its unique set of events that often carry over to the next, creating new narratives and clashes.
For instance, the series delves into the confrontation between the relentless Aussie bowlers and the English openers at Old Trafford, highlighting the essence of Bazball. For those unfamiliar, Bazball is a term coined to describe an aggressive, ultra-positive approach to playing Test cricket. The strategy revitalizes the format, adding an edge that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
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Flashbacks, often mundane in mainstream films, serve a crucial role in sports documentaries by providing essential context and heightening the drama. The series revisits moments like Travis Head’s hiatus from the bat due to his wedding, only to make a monumental comeback at the World Test Championship against India. Similarly, it features Nathan Lyon, sidelined by a calf injury, gamely walking out to bat and later, showcasing his resilience by supporting his team remotely from Australia with his wife. These personal backstories and struggles add layers to the narrative, making it more immersive.
Co-directed by Sheldon Wynne and Adrian Brown, The Test meticulously captures the highs and lows inherent to competitive cricket. A case in point is the Australians’ performance in the last Ashes Test at The Oval, where they faltered after initially being in command. The success of such documentaries hinges on superb editing, and this season is no exception. The editing team’s prowess ensures a captivating viewing experience. The series is also peppered with sharp, memorable quotes, including Marnus Labuschagne’s reflection, “Cricket is a game of small margins. You can feel like you’re on top and it can flip in a second.”
Comparatively, while Season 3 may lack the dramatic allure of the inaugural season—primarily centered around the team’s image restoration post-ball-tampering scandal—it still boasts numerous high points. A wishful sentiment lingers that a filming crew had accompanied the Australian squad during their ODI World Cup campaign, allowing a deeper insight into Pat Cummins’ leadership and the team’s triumphant run, culminating in silencing Indian supporters in the final.
Despite this, the latest season of The Test succeeds in delivering an engrossing, edge-of-your-seat spectacle that holds appeal not just for ardent cricket fans but potentially for a broader audience too.
Currently streaming on Prime Video, The Test Season 3 promises a thrilling dive into the world of elite cricket, offering lessons and entertainment in equal measure.
