🔗 Share this article Majestic Joe Root Revels in Aussie Glory at Long Last but Harry Brook's Folly Might Prove Costly Finally, even the celebration was ideal, on the field under that unique deep-blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the match situation – hyper Baz energy, the English lower order cutting loose with reckless abandon at the other end. Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, Joe Root guided the ball away past fine leg to complete his maiden Test hundred in Australia. However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Picture trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but profoundly significant. A Milestone Frozen in Its Own Light A man who already had thirty-nine centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now registered his fortieth. But, consider the story, the skill, the twists and turns. There'll, of course, be much debate material to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Is he *Australian* great? Yet there exists something further about hoping for Root to be great in Australia. This isn't concerning one-upmanship. Any Australian who understands cricket is well aware Root is a exceptional cricketer. The Captain's Hundred as a Reliable Foundation This ton felt significant in other ways, particularly as something solid in the series for this team, a anchor in the ice. Will England triumph at the Gabba? It's unclear. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did. This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that could have saved his team in this series. It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s premier batsman coming out at 5/2. He was given a life early in the slips. The Contrast in the Crease As the day progressed, England were 3/175. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease. At one end, Root was simply being himself, easy, lithe, alert. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires 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 Costly Decision Is it wise to challenge this? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up. The delivery to Brook was full, the edge healthy. There is no scenario where this was a good choice. It was at least novel in its abjectness. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook gave us the scarecrow, batting without a brain. The Veteran's Silent Response Therefore one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause. He offered his own masterful response, a triumph for diligence, addressing your flaws. The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, delivered a lesson in what ability in the end means. Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.