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Finally, the very celebration was flawless, on the field under that unique vivid blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – manic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. In the middle, Joe Root eased the ball away past fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain the reason this was not just warm, inspiring and cleansing, but quietly epic.

An Achievement Caught in Time

A player who already had thirty-nine centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now scored his 40th. Yet, trace the story, the skill, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be much banter-war talk to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something further about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Every Australian who knows about cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Foundation

This ton felt significant in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a handhold in the glacier.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Uncertain. 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 outstanding one in truly tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

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

At one end, Root was exuding calm, easy, 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 Mitchell Starc preparing for the crucial spell of the day.

A Reckless Choice

Do you run towards this danger? Yep. No settling in, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

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

It was at least novel in its utter failure. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Answer

Thus one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the entire innings.

He delivered his own masterful response, a victory 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.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.