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In the end, the very celebration was ideal, out there under that unique deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away with reckless abandon at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. At the heart, Joe Root eased the ball away past fine leg to complete his maiden Test hundred in Australia.

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

A Moment Caught in Time

A player who already possessed 39 tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now scored his 40th. However, consider the story, the artistry, the jags in the road.

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

But there is something further about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about rivalry. Every Australian who understands cricket is well aware Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Century as a Sturdy Handhold

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

Are England going to win at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

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

The innings commenced with the team in deep trouble, and England’s premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were 3/175. Two versions of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

At one end, Root was simply being himself, relaxed, lithe, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Throughout, a gloom was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc building up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Costly Decision

Should one attack this threat? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge healthy. There is no scenario where this was a smart choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its abjectness. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran'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 the entire innings.

He offered his own masterful response, a victory for preparation, addressing your flaws.

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

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Are they going to learn? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root did score a hundred.