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Finally, the very celebration was perfect, under lights under that unusual vivid blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away with reckless abandon at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. At the heart, Joe Root steered the ball away through fine leg to secure his maiden Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Imagine trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

An Achievement Caught in Its Own Light

A batsman who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this traditional format of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. However, trace the journey, the craft, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be plenty of discussion stuff to be resolved. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

However, there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding rivalry. Any Australian who knows about cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Solid Anchor

The century felt important in other ways, not least as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor in the glacier.

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did.

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

It had to start with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s key batter coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Crease

As the day progressed, England were in a reasonable position. Two examples of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

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

All the while, a gloom was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro revving up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Decision

Is it wise to challenge this? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The delivery to Brook was full-length, the edge thick. There is no scenario 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. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Rebuke

And so one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the team's cause.

Root provided his own subtle correction, a triumph for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, offered a lesson in what talent ultimately means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.