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Finally, the moment of celebration was perfect, out there under that unique intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the match situation – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. At the heart, Joe Root steered the ball away through fine leg to secure his first 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 cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Frozen in Its Own Light

A man who already possessed 39 centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now scored his 40th. However, consider the journey, the skill, the setbacks.

There'll, of course, be plenty of debate material to be resolved. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

However, there is something more about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about point-scoring. Every Australian who knows about cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Solid Anchor

The century felt significant in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a anchor in the difficulty.

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 outstanding one in genuinely tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

It began with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Contrast in the Middle

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

On one side, Root was exuding calm, easy, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

All the while, a darkness was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius preparing for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Costly Decision

Should one attack this threat? Yep. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

The delivery to Brook was full-length, the edge healthy. There is no context where this was a good choice.

It was, if nothing else, novel in its utter failure. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Steady Response

Thus one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

Root provided his own subtle correction, a triumph for doing your homework, addressing your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, delivered a lesson in what talent truly means.

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