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Finally, the very celebration was perfect, under lights under that unique deep-blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – manic Baz energy, the English lower order scything away death cult-style at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. Amidst it all, the former captain eased the ball away to fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Picture trying to explain why this was more than warm, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Moment Preserved in Its Own Light

A player who already possessed 39 tons in this traditional format of a sport has now compiled his 40th. But, trace the narrative, the skill, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be much banter-war material to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Any Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Foundation

The century felt meaningful in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a anchor in the difficulty.

Are England going to win 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.

It began with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

In the afternoon session, England were 3/175. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

On one side, Root was exuding calm, easy, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Throughout, a gloom was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc revving up for the key spell of the day.

A Reckless Decision

Should one attack this threat? Yep. 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 good choice.

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Rebuke

Therefore one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the entire innings.

He offered his own masterful response, a triumph for preparation, working at your flaws.

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

Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.