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In the end, the moment of celebration was flawless, on the field under that unique vivid blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. In the middle, the former captain guided the ball away through fine leg to notch his maiden 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, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Moment Caught in Its Own Light

A man who already had thirty-nine centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now scored his fortieth. However, follow the narrative, the artistry, the twists and turns.

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

But there is something further about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning rivalry. Any Australian who knows about cricket is well aware Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Reliable Anchor

The century felt important in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a foothold in the glacier.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? It's unclear. 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 might just have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the wings already falling off, and England’s key batter coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

In the afternoon session, England were in a reasonable position. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Throughout, a dusk was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius preparing for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Costly Stroke

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. 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 sensible choice.

It was at least novel in its abjectness. We've witnessed England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Rebuke

Therefore 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.

Root provided his own subtle correction, a success for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

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

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Can they evolve? Uncertain. But Joe Root made a hundred.