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In the end, even the celebration was perfect, out there under that unique deep-blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely with reckless abandon at the other end.

Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, the veteran batsman steered the ball away to fine leg to complete his first Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Imagine trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but subtly monumental.

An Achievement Preserved in Time

A man who already possessed 39 centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now registered his fortieth. But, trace the narrative, the artistry, the twists and turns.

There will, of course, be a lot of discussion material to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

Yet there exists something more about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about point-scoring. Any Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Sturdy Foundation

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

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

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

The innings commenced 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 Contrast in the Crease

In the afternoon session, England were 175 for three. Two versions of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

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

All the while, a dusk was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro building up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

Do you run towards this danger? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

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

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

Root's Steady Answer

And so one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for everyone else’s too.

He delivered his own subtle correction, a victory for diligence, working at your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what skill in the end means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.