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Finally, the moment of celebration was flawless, on the field under that unusual intense blue southern sky, within the tumult of the game-state – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, Joe Root eased 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. Imagine trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Moment Preserved in Time

A man who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his 40th. Yet, follow the journey, the artistry, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be much discussion stuff to be settled. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

However, there is something deeper about wanting Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning rivalry. Every Australian who understands cricket is well aware Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Handhold

This ton felt significant in other ways, especially as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the difficulty.

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 outstanding 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 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 in a reasonable position. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

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

All the while, a gloom was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc building up for the key spell of the day.

A Damaging Choice

Do you run towards this danger? Yep. No sighters, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

The ball to Brook was full, the edge healthy. There is no scenario where this was a sensible 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 Quiet Rebuke

And so one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the entire innings.

He offered his own masterful response, a success for diligence, correcting your flaws.

England are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, offered a lesson in what ability in the end means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Will they adapt? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.