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Finally, the moment of celebration was ideal, out there under that unique deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the match situation – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. At the heart, the veteran batsman guided 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. Consider trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, uplifting and cathartic, but profoundly significant.

A Moment Frozen in Time

A player who already possessed thirty-nine hundreds in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his 40th. However, consider the journey, the artistry, the twists and turns.

There will, of course, be a lot of banter-war stuff to be resolved. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

However, there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Every Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Sturdy Anchor

This ton felt significant in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a handhold in the difficulty.

Will England triumph 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 genuinely tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the team in deep trouble, and England’s key batter coming out at 5/2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

At one end, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a gloom was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc preparing for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Stroke

Do you run towards this danger? Apparently so. No sighters, 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 good choice.

It was at least novel in its utter failure. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Answer

Therefore one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the team's cause.

He delivered his own masterful response, a triumph for preparation, working at your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he scaled the peak, offered a lesson in what skill in the end means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.