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Ultimately, even the celebration was perfect, on the field under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, the former captain steered the ball away past fine leg to complete his first Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Consider trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but quietly epic.

A Moment Preserved in Time

A batsman who already possessed thirty-nine hundreds in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now compiled his 40th. But, follow the journey, the skill, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be a lot of debate stuff to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

Yet there exists something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about point-scoring. Every Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Solid Foundation

This ton felt significant in other ways, particularly as something solid in the series for this team, a handhold in the glacier.

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.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a outstanding 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 key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were in a reasonable position. Two versions of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

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

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

A Costly Choice

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

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

It was, if nothing else, 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 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 the team's cause.

He delivered his own quiet rebuke, a success for doing your homework, addressing your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, delivered a lesson in what ability ultimately means.

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