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In the end, the moment of celebration was flawless, out there under that unique vivid blue southern sky, amid the chaos 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, Joe Root eased the ball away to fine leg to complete his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

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

An Achievement Preserved in Time

A player who already possessed thirty-nine centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. However, follow the narrative, the skill, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be much debate talk to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

But there is something deeper about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about one-upmanship. Every Australian who understands cricket is well aware Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Solid Handhold

The century felt significant in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a handhold in the glacier.

Will England triumph 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 outstanding one in truly tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the team in deep trouble, and England’s premier batsman coming out at a dire 5 for 2. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire batting 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 gloom was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro revving up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Damaging Decision

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No sighters, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge thick. There is no world where this was a smart choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its abjectness. We have seen England bat in Australia without fluidity. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Quiet Answer

Thus one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

He offered his own subtle correction, a success for doing your homework, addressing 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? Will they adapt? Not sure. But Joe Root did score a hundred.