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In the end, even the celebration was ideal, on the field under that unique deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the game-state – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order scything away in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. At the heart, Joe Root steered the ball away past fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Picture trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Caught in Its Own Light

A player who already had 39 centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. However, consider the story, the skill, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be a lot of discussion talk to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something deeper about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning point-scoring. Every Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Anchor

Root’s hundred felt important in other ways, particularly as something solid in the series for this team, a handhold in the ice.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? 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 team in deep trouble, and England’s key batter coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were 3/175. Two examples of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

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

Throughout, a dusk was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro building up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Decision

Is it wise to challenge this? Yep. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The delivery to Brook was full-length, the edge thick. There is no context where this was a good 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.

The Veteran's Silent Rebuke

Thus one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the entire innings.

He delivered his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for diligence, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what ability ultimately means.

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