🔗 Share this article

Finally, even the celebration was perfect, on the field under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the game-state – manic Baz energy, the English lower order swinging freely death cult-style at the other end.

Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, the former captain steered the ball away to fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Picture trying to explain the reason this was more than warm, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.

A Moment Frozen in Its Own Light

A player who already possessed thirty-nine tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now scored his fortieth. Yet, trace the journey, the craft, the jags in the road.

There will, of course, be plenty of discussion material to be resolved. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

Yet there exists something further about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about rivalry. Every Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Reliable Handhold

The century felt important in other ways, particularly as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the ice.

Will England triumph at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series.

The innings commenced with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at 5/2. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Dichotomy in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were 3/175. Two versions of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.

On one side, Root was exuding calm, easy, graceful, watchful. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

All the while, a gloom was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro revving up for the pivotal spell of the day.

A Costly Choice

Should one attack this threat? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

The delivery to Brook was full, the edge clear. There is no scenario 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 Quiet Answer

And so one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the entire innings.

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

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

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