🔗 Share this article

Ultimately, even the celebration was flawless, out there under that unusual intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – manic Baz energy, the English lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

Right. All that drama. At the heart, the former captain eased the ball away to fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

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

A Moment Caught in Its Own Light

A player who already had 39 centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now registered his fortieth. But, follow the story, the skill, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be a lot of discussion stuff to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Any Australian who understands cricket is well aware Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Sturdy Handhold

This ton felt significant in other ways, especially 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 truly tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the team in deep trouble, and England’s premier batsman coming out at 5/2. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

In the afternoon session, England were 175 for three. Two examples of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

On one side, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, graceful, watchful. At the other, 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 revving up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Reckless Decision

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

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

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

Root's Quiet Answer

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

He delivered his own subtle correction, a success for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

England are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what skill in the end means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Are they going to learn? Not sure. But Joe Root did score a hundred.