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In the end, even the celebration was flawless, under lights under that unusual intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. In the middle, the former captain steered the ball away past fine leg to complete his first Test hundred in Australia.

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

A Moment Caught in Time

A man who already possessed thirty-nine centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now scored his 40th. However, trace the narrative, the craft, the setbacks.

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

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

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Anchor

The century felt important in other ways, particularly as something tangible in the series for this team, a foothold in the ice.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Uncertain. 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 outstanding one in genuinely tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the wings already falling off, and England’s premier batsman coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

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

On one side, Root was simply being himself, easy, lithe, alert. 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 preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Damaging Decision

Do you run towards this danger? Yep. No settling in, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Answer

And so one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the team's cause.

Root provided his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for diligence, working at your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, delivered a lesson in what skill truly means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? Not sure. But Joe Root did score a hundred.