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Ultimately, the moment of celebration was flawless, out there under that strange intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the match situation – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away with reckless abandon at the other end.

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

But, then if you know, you know. Picture trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Frozen in Its Own Light

A player who already possessed 39 centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now scored his fortieth. However, trace the journey, the skill, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be much debate talk to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

But there is something more about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about one-upmanship. Any Australian who knows about cricket is well aware Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Solid Foundation

This ton felt significant in other ways, especially as something solid in the series for this team, a handhold 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 truly tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It began with the team in deep trouble, 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 examples of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

At one end, Root was exuding calm, easy, lithe, alert. 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 swing maestro revving up for the key spell of the day.

A Damaging Stroke

Do you run towards this danger? Yep. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

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

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Silent Response

Thus one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for everyone else’s too.

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

The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, delivered a lesson in what ability ultimately means.

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