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In the end, even the celebration was perfect, under lights under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – hyper Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Right. All that drama. At the heart, the veteran batsman eased the ball away past fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

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

An Achievement Preserved in Time

A man who already possessed 39 tons in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now scored his fortieth. But, follow the journey, the artistry, the twists and turns.

There will, of course, be much banter-war material to be hashed out. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

Yet there exists something deeper about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Every Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Sturdy Handhold

This ton felt meaningful in other ways, especially as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor in the difficulty.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant 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 premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

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

At one end, Root was exuding calm, easy, lithe, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a gloom was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc revving up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Costly Decision

Do you run towards this danger? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its abjectness. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Steady Rebuke

Therefore one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the entire innings.

He delivered his own subtle correction, a victory for diligence, addressing your flaws.

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Can they evolve? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root did score a hundred.