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Ultimately, the moment of celebration was ideal, out there under that strange deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. In the middle, Joe Root eased the ball away past fine leg to complete his first Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Consider trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Preserved in Its Own Light

A batsman who already had thirty-nine tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. But, consider the journey, the craft, the twists and turns.

There will, of course, be much banter-war stuff to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

However, there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about rivalry. Every Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Reliable Anchor

Root’s hundred felt important in other ways, especially as something tangible 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 play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in truly tough conditions, an innings that might just 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. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

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

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Throughout, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Damaging Stroke

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

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Steady Answer

Thus one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the entire innings.

He offered his own quiet rebuke, a victory for preparation, addressing your flaws.

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

Can they dismiss Australia? Can they evolve? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.