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In the end, even the celebration was flawless, under lights under that unique vivid blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the match situation – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, Joe Root steered the ball away through fine leg to notch his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Picture trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Caught in Its Own Light

A batsman who already had thirty-nine hundreds in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his 40th. But, follow the narrative, the artistry, the jags in the road.

There will, of course, be much debate talk to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something deeper about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about rivalry. Any Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Anchor

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

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? Uncertain. 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 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 a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Crease

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

At one end, Root was exuding calm, easy, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

All the while, a darkness was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro building up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The ball to Brook was full, the edge clear. There is no world where this was a sensible choice.

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

The Veteran's Steady Response

And so one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

He delivered his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for doing your homework, addressing your flaws.

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

Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? Not sure. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.