Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

5 Reasons You Must Watch The Test on Amazon Prime | The Test on Amazon Prime Video | A look behind the scenes of Australian cricket

As cricket (rightly) takes a backseat in these times of worry, uncertainty and social distancing, I, like millions of other cricket fans, have been seeking ways to satisfy our love for the game as the world stands still.

With no live action to look forward to and enjoy in the foreseeable future, the timing of “The Test” on Amazon Prime Video could not have been better. If you are yet to feast your eyes on The Test, this article won’t spoil any of it, but rather push you to wasting no more time and get watching.

If you have watched it like myself, then surely you can agree on my five key reasons, maybe add some of your own, and push fellow cricket fans who are yet to watch. Here goes.

1. Appreciate the job Justin Langer has done

It is not a spoiler to state that Justin Langer took over at a very difficult time in Australian cricket. The ball-tampering scandal rocked its foundations, and Langer was brought in to not only improve Australia’s cricket, but also their image in the eyes of their fans.

I now realise just how difficult his job was. 2018 was a terrible year for Australia: scandal, underperforming team, lack of confidence and players trying to find their way.

In 2019, Australia went a long way to turning things around, with Langer a key figure thanks to his sheer passion and knowledge of the game. Coming across as a man who focused on things such as “elite honesty”, Langer shocked viewers (as well as players and staff) with his reactions at times.

Riveting viewing.

2. Tim Paine the worst captain? Think again

Yes, Tim Paine has had some poor moments as captain. None more so than this day. But, overall, Paine has done a relatively good job as captain when you look beyond simply the action on the cricket field.

Unlike Langer, Paine was thrust into his role immediately out of nowhere. He was tasked with helping pick up the pieces, and over time, his leadership has grown. Yes, he may be the first one to admit that he would have liked to produce more match-defining performances, but his contribution cannot be understated.

His most defining moment was when he followed up the nightmare at Headingley with runs, as well as an inspired decision to bowl Marnus Labuschagne late on in the push for victory in the next Ashes 2019 Test at Old Trafford. You can see this all on The Test.

3. A reminder that cricket is so much more than we see on the field

Check out amazing behind-the-scenes access to a roller-coaster of emotions.

See:

• What the pressure of international cricket is like
• How leaders aim to keep everyone calm in times of distress
• How the best players, such as Steve Smith, get the job done despite all the distractions around them. His battle against Jofra Archer is particularly intriguing

Also, get a glimpse into strategy sessions and team meetings to further enhance the truth that cricket is a mental game.

Such unprecedented access into a team’s efforts is one not to miss. It is a reminder that so much goes into the action we see on the field, and can make you fall in love with the game even more. It had that impact for me.

4. A team that can be respected

Was the ball-tampering incident one that was always coming? Yes.

Australia lost their way, highlighted most by the fact that such a good guy like Steve Smith, who loves and respects the game, didn’t put a stop to taking sandpaper out on the field in Cape Town.

Yes, winning is important, but it got to the point where it didn’t matter what measures were taken. The players were in such a bubble that the captain in Cape Town thought the incident could be brushed off pretty quickly; a far cry from what the Australian team should stand for.

But, in The Test, you get a glimpse into Australia’s new approach: Play hard but fair, enjoy the banter out on the field and answer crowd abuse by playing beautifully out on the field. Justin Langer and Tim Paine drilled this into the players, and over the course of the last year, Australia has become an enjoyable team to follow once again.

5. Enjoy laughs along the way

The pressures of international cricket can be stressful on all involved. But, there are moments throughout the series that bring out the laughs.

So, credit to the producers on balancing out the seriousness with laughter. From Justin Langer breaking out a smile to Mitch Marsh’s antics to Steve Smith’s shadow batting, The Test is sure to bring out a smile at the very least.

That’s all I’ll say.

Get a free trial on Amazon Prime Video today and enjoy The Test. You won’t regret it.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: 5 things cricket fans can do as the world stands still