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In the end, the very celebration was flawless, under lights under that unusual intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy 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 veteran batsman eased the ball away to fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Moment Caught in Its Own Light

A man who already had 39 hundreds in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. But, consider the journey, the craft, the twists and turns.

There will, of course, be much banter-war stuff to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning point-scoring. Every Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

Root's Century as a Solid Foundation

This ton felt important in other ways, especially as something concrete in the series for this team, a handhold in the difficulty.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Don’t know. 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 superb one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the wings already falling off, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at 5/2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

In the afternoon session, England were 3/175. Two examples of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, alert. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

All the while, a darkness was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc preparing for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Stroke

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

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge clear. There is no scenario where this was a good 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 Quiet Rebuke

And so one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the entire innings.

He delivered his own masterful response, a success for preparation, correcting your flaws.

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

Can they dismiss Australia? Can they evolve? Not sure. But Joe Root made a hundred.