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Ultimately, the moment of celebration was flawless, on the field under that unusual vivid blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Right. All that drama. In the middle, the former captain guided the ball away through fine leg to complete 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 not just warm, uplifting and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

An Achievement Preserved in Time

A player who already had thirty-nine centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. But, follow the story, the artistry, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be plenty of banter-war material to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

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

Root's Century as a Reliable Anchor

This ton felt important in other ways, particularly as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor in the ice.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in truly tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the team in deep trouble, and England’s premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

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

On one side, Root was simply being himself, relaxed, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Throughout, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc preparing for the crucial spell of the day.

A Reckless Choice

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No sighters, 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 good choice.

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

The Veteran's Steady Answer

And so 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 offered his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

England are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what ability in the end means.

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