Magnificent Joe Root Revels in Australian Glory at Long Last but Harry Brook's Mistake Could Be Costly

Ultimately, the very celebration was perfect, on the field under that unique intense blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the contest – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order scything away death cult-style at the other end.

But, then if you know, you know. Picture trying to explain the reason this was not just warm, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Milestone Caught in Its Own Light

A batsman who already possessed 39 hundreds in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his 40th. But, trace the narrative, the craft, the setbacks.

There will, of course, be plenty of banter-war material to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something deeper about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Any Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Sturdy Handhold

This ton felt significant in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a foothold in the difficulty.

And not just a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in authentically 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

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

At one end, Root was playing his natural game, relaxed, graceful, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

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

A Damaging Stroke

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

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

It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

Root's Quiet Rebuke

Thus 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 triumph for preparation, correcting your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, delivered a lesson in what talent in the end means.

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? Not sure. But Joe Root did score a hundred.