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In the end, the very celebration was ideal, on the field under that unusual 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.

Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, the veteran batsman 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 not just heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but quietly epic.

An Achievement Frozen in Its Own Light

A batsman who already possessed 39 centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his fortieth. Yet, consider the story, the artistry, the jags in the road.

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

However, there is something further about wanting Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning rivalry. Any Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a exceptional cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Anchor

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

Are England going to win at the Gabba? Uncertain. 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 brilliant one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the wings already falling off, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

As the day progressed, England were 175 for three. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, alert. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a darkness was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro building up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Damaging Choice

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Silent Rebuke

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

Root provided his own quiet rebuke, a victory for diligence, addressing your flaws.

England are still in this series because he did the thing, provided a lesson in what talent in the end means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Are they going to learn? Not sure. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.