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Ultimately, the very celebration was ideal, on the field under that unique deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. At the heart, the veteran batsman steered the ball away to fine leg to complete his first Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Moment Preserved in Time

A man who already had thirty-nine centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his 40th. But, trace the narrative, the artistry, the jags in the road.

There'll, of course, be much banter-war material to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

Yet there exists something further about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about rivalry. Every Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Century as a Reliable Anchor

This ton felt significant in other ways, not least as something tangible 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. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.

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

It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

In the afternoon session, England were in a reasonable position. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

At one end, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, graceful, alert. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

All the while, a dusk was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro revving up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

Is it wise to challenge this? Yep. No sighters, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

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

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia without fluidity. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Steady Rebuke

And so one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the entire innings.

He delivered his own masterful response, a success for preparation, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, offered 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 made a hundred.