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Ultimately, even the celebration was flawless, under lights under that strange vivid blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

So yeah. All that stuff. Amidst it all, Joe Root steered the ball away past fine leg to complete his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Picture trying to explain the reason this was not just warm, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

An Achievement Frozen in Its Own Light

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

There will, of course, be much debate material to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

Yet there exists something deeper about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning point-scoring. Any Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a exceptional cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Reliable Anchor

Root’s hundred felt significant in other ways, particularly as something tangible in the series for this team, a foothold in the ice.

Will England triumph 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 could have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Crease

As the day progressed, England were 3/175. Two versions of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

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

Throughout, a dusk was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc revving up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Reckless Decision

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

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

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Silent Rebuke

Therefore 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.

He delivered his own masterful response, a triumph for diligence, addressing your flaws.

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Can they evolve? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.