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In the end, the moment of celebration was perfect, out there under that unique intense blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose with reckless abandon at the other end.

Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, Joe Root eased the ball away past fine leg to notch his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Picture trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Frozen in Its Own Light

A man who already had thirty-nine hundreds in this traditional format of a sport has now scored his fortieth. But, follow the story, the craft, the twists and turns.

There will, of course, be plenty of debate stuff to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something further about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning point-scoring. Any Australian who knows about cricket recognizes Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Century as a Sturdy Foundation

Root’s hundred felt significant in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a foothold in the glacier.

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? It's unclear. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a outstanding one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

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

The Contrast in the Middle

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

At one end, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, graceful, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

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

A Damaging Decision

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

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its utter failure. 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

Therefore 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 subtle correction, a victory for preparation, addressing your flaws.

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

Can they dismiss Australia? Can they evolve? Uncertain. But Joe Root made a hundred.