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Finally, the very celebration was flawless, on the field under that unique deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. In the middle, the former captain steered the ball away through fine leg to notch his maiden Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Picture trying to explain the reason this was not just heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but quietly epic.

An Achievement Preserved in Its Own Light

A batsman who already possessed 39 centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. However, follow the narrative, the skill, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be plenty of banter-war material to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about one-upmanship. Every Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.

Root's Century as a Reliable Handhold

The century felt meaningful in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the difficulty.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the team in deep trouble, and England’s key batter coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

In the afternoon session, England were in a reasonable position. Two examples of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

At one end, Root was simply being himself, relaxed, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a gloom was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius building up for the key spell of the day.

A Costly Decision

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The delivery to Brook was full, the edge healthy. There is no world where this was a smart choice.

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Answer

Thus one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for everyone else’s too.

He offered his own masterful response, a victory for diligence, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he scaled the peak, provided a lesson in what skill in the end means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Can they evolve? Not sure. But Joe Root made a hundred.