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Finally, the very celebration was perfect, on the field under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away death cult-style at the other end.

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

But, then if you know, you know. Consider trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, uplifting and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Moment Caught in Its Own Light

A man who already possessed thirty-nine centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now registered his fortieth. Yet, follow the journey, the craft, the twists and turns.

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

Yet there exists something further about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about point-scoring. Every Australian who knows about cricket is well aware Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Solid Handhold

Root’s hundred felt important in other ways, not least as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor in the glacier.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.

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

It had to start 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 Crease

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

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, easy, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius preparing for the crucial spell of the day.

A Costly Stroke

Do you run towards this danger? Apparently so. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft 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 complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Response

And so one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for everyone else’s too.

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

England are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, delivered a lesson in what skill ultimately means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Will they adapt? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root did score a hundred.