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In the end, the very celebration was flawless, under lights under that unique intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – manic Baz energy, the English lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. In the middle, the former captain eased the ball away to fine leg to complete his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Imagine trying to explain the reason this was not just warm, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Moment Caught in Its Own Light

A man who already had thirty-nine centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now registered his fortieth. Yet, follow the narrative, the craft, the jags in the road.

There'll, of course, be much discussion material to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about one-upmanship. Every Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Reliable Anchor

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

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did.

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

It had to start with the team in deep trouble, and England’s key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

As the day progressed, England were 3/175. Two examples of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

On one side, Root was simply being himself, relaxed, lithe, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Throughout, a gloom was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius building up for the key spell of the day.

A Reckless Choice

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

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

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Response

Therefore one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for everyone else’s too.

He delivered his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for preparation, correcting your flaws.

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.