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Finally, even the celebration was perfect, out there under that unique vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the game-state – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order scything away death cult-style at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. At the heart, Joe Root steered the ball away through fine leg to notch his first Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Imagine trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but subtly monumental.

An Achievement Preserved in Its Own Light

A batsman who already had 39 centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now registered his fortieth. But, follow the story, the skill, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be much discussion talk to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Any Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.

Root's Century as a Reliable Anchor

This ton felt meaningful in other ways, especially as something tangible in the series for this team, a handhold in the ice.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.

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

It began with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at 5/2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

In the afternoon session, England were 3/175. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

At one end, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, graceful, watchful. 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 preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

Do you run towards this danger? 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 context where this was a good choice.

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

Root's Silent Rebuke

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

Root provided his own subtle correction, a triumph for diligence, correcting your flaws.

England are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, delivered a lesson in what talent ultimately means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root did score a hundred.