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In the end, even the celebration was flawless, on the field under that unique intense blue southern sky, within the tumult of the match situation – manic Baz energy, the English lower order scything away with reckless abandon at the other end.

Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, the former captain eased the ball away past fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

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

An Achievement Preserved in Its Own Light

A player who already possessed thirty-nine centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his 40th. Yet, follow the narrative, the craft, the setbacks.

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

However, there is something further about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Every Australian who knows about cricket already knows Root is a exceptional cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Anchor

The century felt important in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the difficulty.

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? It's unclear. 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 authentically tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at 5/2. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

As the day progressed, England were in a reasonable position. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

All the while, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius preparing for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Damaging Stroke

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

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

It was at least novel in its utter failure. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Rebuke

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 success for preparation, working at your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, offered a lesson in what talent ultimately means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Can they evolve? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.