Sports-void fillers

Are you missing the sports? While your real-life/real-time sports playing/viewing may be stymied by lockdown, the opportunity to live out your sporting dreams vicariously through high quality sporting documentaries is truly….unprecedented.  Here’s three of the best, available now for your binging pleasure:

The Test: An eight-part fly-on-the-wall documentary, tracking the Australian Cricket Team from the nadir of the Sandpapergate scandal to the redemption of Ashes success 18 months later. Amazing access given to the documentary team makes you feel like you are part of the team. Showing on Amazon Prime.

The Last Dance: A 10-part documentary, primarily concerned with the 1998 US National Basketball Association season, where the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls are vying for their second “three-peat” in eight seasons, against the backdrop of an aging squad and splintering administration. Also delves into the past of the key players with incredible archival footage and interviews. Showing on Netflix.

Sunderland Till I Die: There are two series of this quality UK production, documenting the freefall of the once mighty Sunderland AFC from the English Premier League to the lower leagues; endowed with a high quality stadium and huge fan base, but saddled with debt and a host of other issues.  Great access and interviews with managers, players, administration and fans. Lots of discussion around “turning the corner”.  A lot of not turning any corners (or converting any).  Showing on Netflix.