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Ultimately, the very celebration was flawless, on the field under that strange vivid blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. In the middle, the former captain eased the ball away through fine leg to notch his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Picture trying to explain the reason this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

An Achievement Preserved in Time

A player who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now scored his fortieth. But, trace the story, the skill, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be plenty of banter-war talk to be resolved. Has Joe Root finally achieved 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 exceptional cricketer.

Root's Century as a Solid Anchor

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

Are England going to win at the Gabba? Uncertain. 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 outstanding one in authentically 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 greatest modern player coming out at two wickets down for five runs. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Crease

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

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Throughout, a darkness was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro building up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Stroke

Should one attack this threat? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

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

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

Root's Steady Rebuke

Thus one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for everyone else’s too.

Root provided his own subtle correction, a victory for preparation, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, offered a lesson in what talent in the end means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root did score a hundred.