Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock over the last week, you’ve probably heard about ‘The Test’, a documentary on Amazon Prime that details Australia’s journey from sandpapergate to retaining the Ashes in 2019.
While there’s plenty of drama – Justin Langer forcing his side to watch footage of their incredible defeat at Headingley the following day stands out – we’ve compiled our own slightly less heralded list of standout moments.
Justin Langer really loves A Star Is Born
“Oh my god, it’s like my new favourite movie, and it’s the saddest, most beautiful movie I’ve ever seen.” Well, there’s a recommendation if you needed one in self-isolation.
Usman Khawaja doesn’t mess about
The left-hander isn’t afraid to express his opinions to Langer. On the tour of the UAE in 2018, there’s a heated exchange after a training session where the batting group has to rotate after someone is dismissed. “I think we’re more worried about getting out than trying to bat and execute well” is the honest feedback from Khawaja to Langer in front of the rest of the squad. Move forward to Australia going 2-1 down in their Test series with India and Khawaja’s frank approach continues in a team meeting in the dressing room: “I think the boys are intimidated by you, Alf [Langer].”
We really want to join the ‘Love Cafe’
“So I put the coffee in first… start the timer. The first 30 seconds is called the bloom. It’s important that the water doesn’t touch the paper.” Yep, we wouldn’t mind a brew with Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis. “The most important ingredient is love,” says Zampa.
It’s not to everyone’s taste, though. “It’s tough to describe their..,” says Aaron Finch. “They’re just so close, a little bit too close, every photo just holding hands and just doing weird shit.”
Shaun Marsh is very, very tough
The documentary shows the moment Shaun Marsh breaks his arm after getting hit by a Pat Cummins bouncer in a net session during the World Cup. Not that you’ll notice it. He simply picks up the ball, hands it back to Cummins and walks out of the nets without flinching. “For him to walk straight out, no expression, nothing on his face – it was pretty obvious that something wasn’t right,” explains Nathan Lyon. It’s still one of the more tender moments of the documentary, with the injury ruling Marsh out of the rest of the tournament. “I’m 36, the World Cup might have been the last time I play in the Australian cricket team, and for it to end with a broken arm was definitely really disappointing,” says Marsh.
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Mitchell Marsh is the teammate you wish you had
From organising coffee strolls in the morning to some stellar air guitar/keyboard/drums/DJ work during a Lord’s rain delay, it’ll be very hard not to like Mitchell Marsh after watching this. “I get a buzz out of making people happy.” Keep at it.
