Sublime Joe Root Basks in Aussie Triumph at Long Last but Harry Brook's Folly Could Come at a Price

Ultimately, even the celebration was flawless, on the field under that unique vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the match situation – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order scything away 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 more than warm, inspiring and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Moment Caught in Time

A batsman who already possessed 39 centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now scored his 40th. But, follow the journey, the artistry, the twists and turns.

There'll, of course, be plenty of debate material to be resolved. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he considered great by Australian standards?

But there is something further about wanting Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Any Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a great cricketer.

Root's Hundred as a Reliable Foundation

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

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

The innings commenced with the wings already falling off, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at 5/2. Root was dropped early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

As the day progressed, England were 175 for three. Two versions of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, easy, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.

Throughout, a dusk was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro preparing for the crucial spell of the day.

A Damaging Stroke

Should one attack this threat? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.

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

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

The Veteran's Silent Rebuke

And so one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the team's cause.

He offered his own masterful response, a victory for preparation, addressing your flaws.

The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what skill ultimately means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Are they going to learn? Not sure. But Joe Root made a hundred.