Sublime Joe Root Revels in Australian Glory at Long Last but Harry Brook's Mistake May Come at a Price

Ultimately, the moment of celebration was flawless, under lights under that unique intense blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – hyper Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

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

An Achievement Preserved in Time

A batsman who already had 39 tons in this traditional format of a sport has now scored his fortieth. However, follow the story, the skill, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be much debate material to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

However, there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It’s not about point-scoring. Any Australian who knows about cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.

The Captain's Century as a Sturdy Handhold

The century felt important in other ways, especially as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor in the glacier.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in genuinely 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 Juxtaposition in the Crease

In the afternoon session, England were in a reasonable position. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

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

Throughout, a darkness was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and Mitchell Starc building up for the crucial spell of the day.

A Damaging Decision

Should one attack this threat? Yep. No sighters, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up.

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

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

Root's Quiet Response

And so one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the team's cause.

Root provided his own quiet rebuke, a victory for doing your homework, addressing your flaws.

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.