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Finally, the moment of celebration was ideal, out there under that strange vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, the former captain 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 more than heartwarming, uplifting and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Frozen in Its Own Light

A man who already had thirty-nine tons in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his 40th. Yet, trace the journey, the skill, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be a lot of debate talk to be hashed out. Is Joe Root finally great? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something deeper about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Every Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Anchor

Root’s hundred felt meaningful in other ways, especially as something tangible in the series for this team, a handhold in the ice.

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? It's unclear. 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 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 key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Crease

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

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, easy, graceful, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

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

A Costly Choice

Should one attack this threat? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge clear. There is no scenario where this was a sensible choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Quiet Response

And so one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for everyone else’s too.

He offered his own subtle correction, a success for preparation, working at your flaws.

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Will they adapt? Not sure. But Joe Root did score a hundred.