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Ultimately, even the celebration was perfect, out there under that unusual vivid blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. At the heart, the veteran batsman steered the ball away through fine leg to notch his first Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Picture trying to explain why this was not just warm, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Preserved in Time

A batsman who already had 39 tons in this traditional format of a sport has now compiled his fortieth. However, consider the story, the artistry, the jags in the road.

There'll, of course, be much debate talk to be settled. Is Joe Root finally great? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something further about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning rivalry. Every Australian who knows about cricket is well aware Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Sturdy Foundation

Root’s hundred felt significant in other ways, particularly as something concrete in the series for this team, a handhold in the glacier.

Can England secure victory at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in truly tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at a dire 5 for 2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. Two versions of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

At one end, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, lithe, watchful. 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 pink ball genius preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Reckless Stroke

Do you run towards this danger? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

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

It was at least novel in its utter failure. We've witnessed England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Steady Rebuke

Thus one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the entire innings.

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

England are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, provided a lesson in what talent truly means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.