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Finally, the moment of celebration was perfect, out there under that unique vivid blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the match situation – 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 steered the ball away through fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Imagine trying to explain the reason this was not just heartwarming, uplifting and cathartic, but profoundly significant.

A Moment Preserved in Time

A player who already possessed thirty-nine centuries in this traditional format of a sport has now registered his 40th. However, follow the story, the artistry, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be much debate stuff to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Any Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a exceptional cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Handhold

This ton felt important in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the ice.

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

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in genuinely 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 key batter coming out at a dire 5 for 2. A chance was put down 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 exuding calm, easy, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a gloom was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Damaging Decision

Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

The delivery to Brook was full, the edge healthy. There is no scenario where this was a good choice.

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

Root's Quiet Rebuke

Therefore one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

He delivered his own masterful response, a victory for diligence, correcting your flaws.

England are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what skill ultimately means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.