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Ultimately, the moment of celebration was perfect, on the field under that strange vivid blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – 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 guided the ball away past fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Consider trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Frozen in Time

A player who already had thirty-nine centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now scored his fortieth. But, follow the story, the skill, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be plenty of discussion talk to be hashed out. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something deeper about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Any Australian who knows about cricket recognizes Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Anchor

The century felt significant in other ways, especially as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor in the glacier.

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

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in authentically 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 a dire 5 for 2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

In the afternoon session, England were 3/175. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

At one end, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, lithe, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

All the while, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc revving up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Costly Stroke

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No sighters, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

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

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

Root's Quiet Response

And so one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

He offered his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for diligence, correcting your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, provided a lesson in what skill in the end means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Will they adapt? Not sure. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.