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In the end, the moment of celebration was perfect, on the field under that strange deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, Joe Root steered the ball away to fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Imagine trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Preserved in Time

A man who already had thirty-nine centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. Yet, follow the story, the craft, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be much banter-war material to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

However, there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning point-scoring. Every Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Reliable Anchor

The century felt meaningful in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a foothold in the glacier.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? It's unclear. 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 outstanding one in truly tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

It began with the team in deep trouble, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at a dire 5 for 2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were in a reasonable position. Two versions of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

On one side, Root was simply being himself, easy, lithe, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Throughout, a darkness was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro revving up for the key spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

Should one attack this threat? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge thick. There is no world where this was a smart choice.

It was at least novel in its abjectness. We have seen England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Silent Rebuke

And so one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

He offered his own subtle correction, a success for doing your homework, addressing your flaws.

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

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Can they evolve? Not sure. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.