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In the end, even the celebration was perfect, on the field under that unique intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose with reckless abandon at the other end.

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

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Picture trying to explain the reason this was more than warm, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

An Achievement Frozen in Time

A player who already had thirty-nine tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now registered his fortieth. Yet, trace the story, the artistry, the jags in the road.

There will, of course, be much debate talk to be resolved. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he *Australian* great?

But there is something further about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning rivalry. Every Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Reliable Anchor

The century felt significant in other ways, particularly as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the difficulty.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? It's unclear. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in genuinely tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It began with the team in deep trouble, and England’s key batter coming out at 5/2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. 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 dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Damaging Choice

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

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

It was at least novel in its abjectness. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Answer

Therefore one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for everyone else’s too.

He delivered his own quiet rebuke, a victory for doing your homework, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he scaled the peak, delivered a lesson in what talent ultimately means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.