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In the end, the very celebration was ideal, under lights under that unique vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order swinging freely in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, the veteran batsman steered the ball away past fine leg to complete his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but quietly epic.

A Moment Preserved in Time

A player who already had thirty-nine centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his fortieth. However, consider the story, the craft, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be a lot of debate material to be resolved. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Any Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Anchor

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

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

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in truly tough conditions, an innings that could 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 a dire 5 for 2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. Two examples of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

On one side, Root was simply being himself, easy, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

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

A Damaging Decision

Is it wise to challenge this? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

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

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Silent Response

Thus 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 delivered his own quiet rebuke, a victory for diligence, working at your flaws.

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

Can they dismiss Australia? Are they going to learn? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.