Magnificent Joe Root Revels in Aussie Triumph at Last but Harry Brook's Folly Could Be Costly

In the end, even the celebration was perfect, out there under that strange vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.

But, then if you know, you know. Imagine trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but quietly epic.

An Achievement Preserved in Time

A man who already had thirty-nine hundreds in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now registered his fortieth. However, follow the story, the artistry, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be much discussion material to be hashed out. Has Joe Root finally achieved greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

Yet there exists something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about rivalry. Every Australian who cares for cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Solid Anchor

This ton felt meaningful in other ways, particularly as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the ice.

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

It had to start with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s premier batsman coming out at a dire 5 for 2. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Middle

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

At one end, Root was exuding calm, relaxed, graceful, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

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

A Reckless Decision

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

The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge healthy. There is no scenario where this was a smart choice.

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Quiet Rebuke

Thus one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the team's cause.

He delivered his own masterful response, a victory for diligence, correcting your flaws.

England are still in this series because he scaled the peak, offered a lesson in what ability truly means.

Are they going to bowl Australia out? Can they evolve? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root made a hundred.