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Ultimately, the moment of celebration was ideal, on the field under that unusual vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, Joe Root 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 more than heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but profoundly significant.

An Achievement Frozen in Time

A man who already had thirty-nine tons in this traditional format of a sport has now scored his 40th. Yet, consider the journey, the artistry, the jags in the road.

There will, of course, be much debate stuff to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Every Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Century as a Solid Foundation

Root’s hundred felt significant in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the glacier.

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 outstanding one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

It began with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at 5/2. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

In the afternoon session, England were in a reasonable position. Two examples of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

All the while, a gloom was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro preparing for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

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

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

It was at least novel in its abjectness. We've witnessed England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Steady Response

Thus one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for everyone else’s too.

He offered his own quiet rebuke, a success for diligence, correcting your flaws.

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Can they evolve? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.