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In the end, the moment of celebration was flawless, out there under that unique deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the match situation – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, the veteran batsman eased the ball away through fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Preserved in Time

A player who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this traditional format of a sport has now compiled his 40th. However, follow the narrative, the artistry, the jags in the road.

There will, of course, be plenty of banter-war talk to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

However, there is something further about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Any Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Solid Anchor

This ton felt significant in other ways, particularly as something concrete in the series for this team, a foothold in the ice.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? It's unclear. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the team in deep trouble, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at two wickets down for five runs. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were in a reasonable position. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, easy, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

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

A Costly Stroke

Is it wise to challenge this? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

The delivery to Brook was full, the edge thick. There is no context where this was a smart choice.

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

The Veteran's Steady Rebuke

Therefore one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the team's cause.

He offered his own subtle correction, a victory for preparation, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what skill ultimately means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Will they adapt? Not sure. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.