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In the end, the moment of celebration was perfect, on the field under that unique deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the match situation – manic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Right. All that drama. In the middle, Joe Root steered the ball away past fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Imagine trying to explain why this was more than warm, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Frozen in Its Own Light

A batsman who already possessed 39 centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now scored his fortieth. But, consider the journey, the artistry, the jags in the road.

There'll, of course, be much discussion material to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

Yet there exists something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about point-scoring. Every Australian who understands cricket is well aware Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Anchor

Root’s hundred felt significant in other ways, especially as something tangible 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 play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

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

It had to start with the team in deep trouble, and England’s premier batsman coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

In the afternoon session, England were in a reasonable position. Two versions of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

All the while, a gloom was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius revving up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Reckless Decision

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

The delivery to Brook was full, the edge healthy. There is no scenario where this was a good choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its utter failure. We've witnessed England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Rebuke

Therefore one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the team's cause.

Root provided his own subtle correction, a triumph for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, provided a lesson in what ability in the end means.

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