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Ultimately, the very celebration was flawless, out there under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order swinging freely in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, the former captain eased 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 the reason this was not just warm, inspiring and cathartic, but profoundly significant.

A Milestone Frozen in Time

A player who already possessed 39 hundreds in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now scored his 40th. However, consider the narrative, the artistry, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be plenty of debate talk to be settled. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

But there is something further about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Any Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Reliable Foundation

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

Can England secure victory 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 truly tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at 5/2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

As the day progressed, England were 3/175. Two examples 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 urgently requires the bathroom.

Throughout, a darkness was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro revving up for the key spell of the day.

A Reckless 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 healthy. There is no world where this was a smart 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 Quiet Response

Thus one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for everyone else’s too.

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

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

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Are they going to learn? Not sure. But Joe Root did score a hundred.