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Finally, the moment of celebration was flawless, on the field under that unusual intense blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the game-state – hyper Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, the former captain steered the ball away to fine leg to notch his maiden Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Imagine trying to explain the reason this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but quietly epic.

A Moment Frozen in Its Own Light

A man who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his fortieth. However, follow the journey, the artistry, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be a lot of discussion stuff to be resolved. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

However, there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding rivalry. Every Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Reliable Foundation

Root’s hundred felt meaningful in other ways, especially as something solid in the series for this team, a foothold in the ice.

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? It's unclear. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in truly tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

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

At one end, Root was simply being himself, relaxed, graceful, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

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

A Costly Decision

Should one attack this threat? Yep. No sighters, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge healthy. There is no context where this was a good choice.

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Quiet Answer

And so 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 masterful response, a triumph for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, offered a lesson in what skill truly means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.