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In the end, the very celebration was ideal, out there under that strange vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the match situation – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Right. All that drama. In the middle, the former captain steered the ball away to fine leg to secure his maiden Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Imagine trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Caught in Time

A man who already possessed 39 tons in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his fortieth. However, consider the narrative, the craft, the twists and turns.

There will, of course, be plenty of banter-war material to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something further about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Every Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Sturdy Handhold

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

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? Uncertain. 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 superb one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that may 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 175 for three. Two versions of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

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

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

A Costly Decision

Do you run towards this danger? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

The delivery to Brook was full, the edge healthy. There is no context where this was a good choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Steady Answer

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

He offered his own subtle correction, a success for preparation, correcting your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, provided a lesson in what ability truly means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? Not sure. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.