Sublime Joe Root Glories in Aussie Triumph at Long Last but Harry Brook's Error Could Be Costly

Finally, the very celebration was flawless, out there under that strange deep-blue southern sky, within the tumult of the game-state – manic Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Imagine trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.

An Achievement Frozen in Time

A player who already had 39 hundreds in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now scored his fortieth. But, follow the story, the skill, the jags in the road.

There'll, of course, be a lot of banter-war talk to be resolved. Is Joe Root finally great? Does he now rank among Australian greats?

But there is something more about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Any Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Solid Foundation

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

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

It had to start with the team in deep trouble, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at two wickets down for five runs. He was given a life early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. Two examples of elite Yorkshire batting at the crease.

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

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

A Costly Choice

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

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

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

The Veteran's Steady Response

Therefore one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for everyone else’s too.

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

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

Will they take twenty wickets? Are they going to learn? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root did score a hundred.