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In the end, even the celebration was perfect, on the field under that unique deep-blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the match situation – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. At the heart, the former captain steered 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 the reason this was not just warm, uplifting and cathartic, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Frozen in Time

A batsman who already had thirty-nine centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now scored his 40th. However, trace the journey, the craft, the jags in the road.

There will, of course, be much banter-war material to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

However, there is something deeper about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Any Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Anchor

Root’s hundred felt important in other ways, especially as something solid 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 truly tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s premier batsman coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Crease

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

On one side, Root was simply being himself, relaxed, lithe, alert. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

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

A Costly Stroke

Is it wise to challenge this? Yes. 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 context where this was a sensible choice.

It was at least novel in its abjectness. We have seen England bat in Australia without fluidity. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Answer

And so 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 offered his own quiet rebuke, a victory for preparation, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what ability in the end means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root made a hundred.