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In the end, the moment of celebration was ideal, under lights under that unique intense blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order swinging freely in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. At the heart, Joe Root eased the ball away past fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

But, then if you know, you know. Consider trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

A Milestone Caught in Time

A man who already possessed 39 centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his 40th. Yet, follow the story, the artistry, the jags in the road.

There'll, of course, be much banter-war material to be hashed out. Is Joe Root finally great? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

However, there is something deeper about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Every Australian who knows about cricket is well aware Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Anchor

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

Can England secure victory 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 5/2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were in a reasonable position. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

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

Throughout, a dusk was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Reckless Decision

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The ball to Brook was full, the edge thick. There is no scenario where this was a smart choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Response

And so one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the entire innings.

Root provided his own masterful response, a triumph for diligence, addressing your flaws.

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

Can they dismiss Australia? Can they evolve? Uncertain. But Joe Root did score a hundred.