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Ultimately, the very celebration was ideal, on the field under that unusual vivid blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the match situation – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away with reckless abandon at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, Joe Root guided the ball away to fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Imagine trying to explain the reason this was not just warm, inspiring and cleansing, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Caught in Time

A batsman who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this traditional format of a sport has now registered his 40th. Yet, trace the narrative, the artistry, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be much discussion talk to be settled. Is Joe Root finally great? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

However, there is something more about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Every Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Sturdy Anchor

Root’s hundred felt meaningful in other ways, not least as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor 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.

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

It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were in a reasonable position. Two examples of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

At one end, Root was exuding calm, easy, lithe, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a darkness was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

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

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

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

The Veteran's Quiet Response

And so one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the entire innings.

Root provided his own masterful response, a victory for preparation, correcting your flaws.

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

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