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In the end, even the celebration was ideal, under lights under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order scything away in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. In the middle, the veteran batsman guided the ball away through fine leg to complete 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 cathartic, but profoundly significant.

A Milestone Caught in Its Own Light

A player who already had thirty-nine hundreds in this traditional format of a sport has now registered his 40th. But, consider the journey, the artistry, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be plenty of debate talk to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

However, there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning point-scoring. Any Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Foundation

The century felt meaningful in other ways, particularly as something solid in the series for this team, a handhold in the difficulty.

Can England secure victory 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 truly tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the wings already falling off, and England’s premier batsman coming out at 5/2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

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

On one side, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, lithe, alert. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a darkness was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro revving up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Choice

Is it wise to challenge this? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

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

It was at least novel in its utter failure. We have seen England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Rebuke

And so one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the team's cause.

He offered his own subtle correction, a victory for diligence, working at 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? Can they evolve? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root made a hundred.