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Finally, the moment of celebration was flawless, out there under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the game-state – manic Baz energy, the English lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. At the heart, the veteran batsman eased the ball away through fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Picture trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Moment Preserved in Its Own Light

A batsman who already had thirty-nine tons in this traditional format of a sport has now compiled his 40th. But, follow the narrative, the skill, the jags in the road.

There will, of course, be much banter-war talk to be resolved. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

However, there is something further about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about one-upmanship. Any Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Solid Anchor

Root’s hundred felt important in other ways, particularly as something solid in the series for this team, a handhold in the difficulty.

Can England secure victory 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 genuinely tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were 3/175. Two versions of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

On one side, Root was exuding calm, easy, graceful, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

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

A Reckless Stroke

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook gave us 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 with immense resolve, but for the entire innings.

Root provided his own subtle correction, a victory for diligence, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he scaled the peak, delivered a lesson in what skill in the end means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.