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

Right. All that drama. At the heart, the former captain steered the ball away through fine leg to complete his maiden Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain why this was more than warm, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Preserved in Its Own Light

A batsman who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. However, follow the journey, the craft, the jags in the road.

There will, of course, be plenty of debate stuff to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

However, there is something more about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Every Australian who knows about cricket already knows Root is a great cricketer.

Root's Century as a Reliable Anchor

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

Will England triumph 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.

The innings commenced 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 Juxtaposition in the Crease

In the afternoon session, England were 175 for three. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

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

Throughout, a darkness was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc building up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

Do you run towards this danger? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

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

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. 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 not just for his life, but for the entire innings.

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

The tourists are still in this series because he scaled the peak, offered a lesson in what ability truly means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Are they going to learn? Not sure. But Joe Root made a hundred.