It’s been almost two years since the sandpaper scandal that rocked the world of cricket.
The likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft will never forget the aftermath of the Newlands cheating episode, and, as we saw during the Cricket World Cup, they’ll be constantly reminded.
The Australian team has since spoken about a change in their team culture, under the leadership of Tim Paine, and they retained the Ashes after drawing last year’s series 2-2.
That series, as well as others, is covered in The Test, an Amazon Prime docuseries which is due for release on March 12.
It follows the Ozzies “as the side sets about reclaiming its pride and integrity after falling from grace”, and offers a unique look inside the changing room.
First, there was this sneak peek from December last year:
Then the official trailer, released last week:
It appears that they’ve hidden the sandpaper from view. Wise.
There’s no doubting that the team’s decision to allow cameras to track them so closely is a massive PR exercise, but there is some incredible footage.
This look at the titanic battle between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer from the recent Ashes series is unlike anything else I have seen before:
That really was test cricket at its finest.
Here’s what it means to wear that Baggy Green:
Also, a look at Steve Smith’s infuriating batting technique, which looks like it belongs in club cricket whilst stacking up runs that rival the greatest the game has ever seen:
As somebody who wishes only the worst for the Australian side, and everyone who dons the Baggy Green, I’m sure this series will get under my skin.
But, as a cricket lover, I’m still excited to give it a watch.
Perhaps the Proteas can look at doing something similar, as we seek to drag ourselves out of a slump of epic proportions.
[source:newsau]
