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In the end, the moment of celebration was flawless, under lights under that unique vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. Amidst it all, the veteran batsman guided the ball away through fine leg to notch his maiden Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Picture trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Moment Preserved in Time

A batsman who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his 40th. However, follow the narrative, the artistry, the setbacks.

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

Yet there exists something further 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 great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Sturdy Handhold

The century felt meaningful in other ways, not least as something solid in the series for this team, a foothold in the ice.

Are England going to win 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 superb one in truly tough conditions, an innings that could 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 Juxtaposition in the Crease

As the day progressed, England were in a reasonable position. Two examples of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

At one end, Root was simply being himself, easy, lithe, alert. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

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

A Reckless Stroke

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge healthy. 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. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Steady Rebuke

Therefore one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the entire innings.

He offered his own masterful response, a victory for diligence, working at your flaws.

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Can they evolve? Uncertain. But Joe Root made a hundred.