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Finally, even the celebration was ideal, on the field under that strange deep-blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. In the middle, the former captain steered the ball away past fine leg to complete his maiden Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain the reason this was not just warm, uplifting and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Milestone Preserved in Time

A player who already had thirty-nine hundreds in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now scored his fortieth. Yet, trace the story, the skill, the jags in the road.

There'll, of course, be plenty of banter-war stuff to be settled. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

However, there is something deeper about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about point-scoring. Every Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Solid Anchor

The century felt important in other ways, especially as something concrete in the series for this team, a foothold in the glacier.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a outstanding one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s key batter coming out at 5/2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

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

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

Throughout, a dusk was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro building up for the key spell of the day.

A Damaging Stroke

Should one attack this threat? Yep. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The delivery to Brook was full, the edge clear. 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. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Response

Thus one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the team's cause.

He delivered his own masterful response, a success for diligence, working at your flaws.

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

Can they dismiss Australia? Can they evolve? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root did score a hundred.