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Ultimately, the moment of celebration was flawless, under lights under that strange deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the match situation – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, Joe Root guided the ball away past fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Picture trying to explain the reason this was more than warm, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Milestone Caught in Time

A player who already possessed 39 tons in this traditional format of a sport has now scored his fortieth. However, trace the journey, the artistry, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be a lot of banter-war talk to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

Yet there exists something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about rivalry. Any Australian who knows about cricket is well aware Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Sturdy Anchor

The century felt significant in other ways, especially as something solid in the series for this team, a foothold in the ice.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Don’t know. 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 brilliant one in genuinely tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It began with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at 5/2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

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

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

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

A Costly Choice

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The delivery to Brook was full-length, the edge healthy. There is no scenario where this was a smart choice.

It was at least novel in its abjectness. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Silent Answer

Therefore one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

He delivered his own quiet rebuke, a success for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

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

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Can they evolve? Not sure. But Joe Root made a hundred.