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In the end, even the celebration was ideal, on the field under that strange deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order scything away in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Right. All that drama. At the heart, the veteran batsman eased 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. Picture trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but quietly epic.

A Moment Preserved in Its Own Light

A player who already possessed 39 centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now registered his 40th. However, consider the journey, the craft, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be much debate stuff to be hashed out. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

Yet there exists something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Any Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Anchor

The century felt significant in other ways, especially as something tangible in the series for this team, a foothold in the difficulty.

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? It's unclear. 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 outstanding one in genuinely tough conditions, an innings that could 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. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

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

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

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

A Damaging Choice

Do you run towards this danger? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

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

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

Root's Steady Rebuke

Therefore one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for everyone else’s too.

Root provided his own quiet rebuke, a victory for doing your homework, correcting your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, provided a lesson in what ability in the end means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root made a hundred.