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In the end, even the celebration was perfect, out there under that strange deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the game-state – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. In the middle, the former captain guided the ball away to fine leg to complete his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Imagine trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, uplifting and cathartic, but profoundly significant.

A Moment Frozen in Time

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

There'll, 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 deeper about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning rivalry. Every Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Reliable Anchor

The century felt important in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a anchor in the glacier.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in authentically 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 greatest modern player coming out at two wickets down for five runs. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

In the afternoon session, England were 175 for three. Two versions 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 Mitchell Starc building up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Choice

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

The delivery 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 without fluidity. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Quiet Response

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

He offered his own subtle correction, a triumph for diligence, addressing your flaws.

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

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Will they adapt? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root made a hundred.