🔗 Share this article

Ultimately, even the celebration was flawless, out there under that unique vivid blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the match situation – manic Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, Joe Root steered the ball away past fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Consider trying to explain the reason this was more than warm, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Milestone Caught in Its Own Light

A player who already possessed thirty-nine centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his fortieth. But, follow the journey, the skill, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be a lot of discussion stuff to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he *Australian* great?

Yet there exists something deeper about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about point-scoring. Every Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Solid Handhold

Root’s hundred felt meaningful in other ways, not least as something solid in the series for this team, a handhold in the glacier.

Are England going to win at the Gabba? It's unclear. 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 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 key batter coming out at two wickets down for five runs. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Middle

As the day progressed, England were in a reasonable position. Two versions of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

Meanwhile, a darkness was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius building up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Damaging Decision

Is it wise to challenge this? Yes. No sighters, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

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

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Silent Response

Thus one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the entire innings.

Root provided his own subtle correction, a success for preparation, addressing your flaws.

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.