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In the end, even the celebration was ideal, out there under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

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

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Imagine trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

An Achievement Preserved in Its Own Light

A player who already possessed thirty-nine centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his fortieth. Yet, follow the narrative, the craft, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be plenty of discussion stuff to be settled. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he *Australian* great?

However, there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about rivalry. Every Australian who knows about cricket already knows Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Handhold

The century felt significant in other ways, particularly as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor in the ice.

Will England triumph 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 brilliant one in truly tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the wings already falling off, and England’s key batter coming out at 5/2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

As the day progressed, England were 3/175. Two examples of elite Yorkshire-dom 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.

Meanwhile, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc revving up for the key spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

Do you run towards this danger? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge clear. There is no scenario where this was a good choice.

It was at least novel in its utter failure. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Quiet Response

Therefore one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for everyone else’s too.

He delivered his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

England are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, provided a lesson in what talent ultimately means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Are they going to learn? Not sure. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.