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Ultimately, the very celebration was ideal, out there under that unusual vivid blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the match situation – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. At the heart, the former captain eased the ball away past fine leg to notch 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 not just heartwarming, uplifting and cathartic, but profoundly significant.

An Achievement Preserved in Its Own Light

A batsman who already had 39 tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now compiled his 40th. Yet, follow the story, the artistry, the setbacks.

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

However, there is something deeper about wanting Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Every Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Sturdy Handhold

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

Are England going to win 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 truly tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the team in deep trouble, and England’s premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

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

On one side, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

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

A Damaging Decision

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

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its abjectness. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Rebuke

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

Root provided his own masterful response, a victory for diligence, working at your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, offered a lesson in what ability truly means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Will they adapt? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.