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Ultimately, the moment of celebration was flawless, out there under that strange intense blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. At the heart, the former captain guided the ball away to 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 why this was not just heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Frozen in Time

A batsman who already possessed 39 tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. But, consider the journey, the craft, the twists and turns.

There will, of course, be much discussion material to be resolved. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something deeper about wanting Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Every Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Foundation

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

Will England triumph 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 genuinely tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at 5/2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. Two versions of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

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

All the while, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc preparing for the crucial spell of the day.

A Costly Decision

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

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

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

The Veteran's Steady Response

And so one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for everyone else’s too.

He delivered his own masterful response, a success for doing your homework, correcting your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he scaled the peak, offered a lesson in what skill in the end means.

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