🔗 Share this article Magnificent Joe Root Basks in Australian Triumph at Long Last but Harry Brook's Mistake Could Prove Costly In the end, the moment of celebration was flawless, on the field under that unusual deep-blue southern sky, in the frenzy of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, the English lower order scything away in a do-or-die manner at the other end. Indeed. All of that. In the middle, the former captain steered the ball away to fine leg to secure his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia. But, then if you know, you know. Imagine trying to explain why this was more than heartwarming, uplifting and cleansing, but quietly epic. A Moment Preserved in Its Own Light A player who already had 39 tons in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now registered his 40th. But, consider the journey, the artistry, the jags in the road. There will, of course, be much discussion talk to be hashed out. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats? However, there is something further about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Any Australian who understands cricket recognizes Root is a world-class cricketer. Root's Hundred as a Sturdy Handhold Root’s hundred felt meaningful in other ways, not least as something concrete in the series for this team, a anchor in the ice. Can England secure victory at the Gabba? Uncertain. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did. And not just a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in authentically tough conditions, an innings that may have saved his team in this series. It began with the wings already falling off, and England’s premier batsman coming out at two wickets down for five runs. He was given a life early in the slips. The Dichotomy 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 desperately needs the bathroom. All the while, a dusk was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the pink ball genius preparing for the crucial spell of the day. A Reckless Choice Do you run towards this danger? Apparently so. No settling in, no feet. Just a reckless waft first up. The ball to Brook was full, the edge clear. There is no scenario where this was a smart choice. It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia without fluidity. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain. The Veteran's Steady Response And so one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for the entire innings. He delivered his own quiet rebuke, a victory for diligence, addressing your flaws. The tourists are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, provided a lesson in what ability ultimately means. Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root compiled a hundred.