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Finally, even the celebration was flawless, on the field under that unique intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – manic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. Amidst it all, the veteran batsman eased the ball away past fine leg to notch 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 heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Milestone Frozen in Its Own Light

A player who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now scored his fortieth. Yet, follow the narrative, the artistry, the twists and turns.

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

Yet there exists something further about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Every Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Sturdy Handhold

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

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the team in deep trouble, and England’s key batter coming out at a dire 5 for 2. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. Two examples of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

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

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

A Damaging Choice

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

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge healthy. There is no context where this was a sensible choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root'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 the entire innings.

Root provided his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for preparation, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, delivered a lesson in what ability truly means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root made a hundred.