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Finally, the moment of celebration was perfect, out there under that unique vivid blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. At the heart, Joe Root steered the ball away to fine leg to secure his maiden 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, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

An Achievement Frozen in Its Own Light

A batsman who already possessed thirty-nine centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his fortieth. However, trace the story, the artistry, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be plenty of debate material to be resolved. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding rivalry. Any Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Century as a Sturdy Foundation

This ton felt important in other ways, particularly as something solid in the series for this team, a foothold in the ice.

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? Don’t know. 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 superb one in truly tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

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

On one side, Root was simply being himself, easy, lithe, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

All the while, a gloom was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro building up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Damaging Stroke

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

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its utter failure. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Answer

Therefore one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the entire innings.

He delivered his own masterful response, a triumph for diligence, addressing your flaws.

England are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what talent in the end means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root made a hundred.