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Ultimately, even the celebration was perfect, under lights under that unusual intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the match situation – manic 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 first Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Picture trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, uplifting and cathartic, but subtly monumental.

A Moment Frozen in Time

A batsman who already had thirty-nine hundreds in this traditional format of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. But, consider the story, the artistry, the twists and turns.

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

However, there is something deeper about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Any Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a great cricketer.

Root's Century as a Sturdy Handhold

This ton felt meaningful in other ways, particularly as something concrete in the series for this team, a foothold in the ice.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did.

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

The innings commenced with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

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

On one side, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, graceful, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

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

A Reckless Decision

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

The ball to Brook was full, the edge thick. There is no context where this was a smart choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Answer

And so one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the team's cause.

He offered his own quiet rebuke, a triumph for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, provided a lesson in what ability in the end means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Will they adapt? Not sure. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.