Magnificent Root Basks in Australian Triumph at Finally but Brook’s Folly Could Be Costly

Finally, even the celebration was ideal, under lights under that unusual vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the match situation – manic Baz energy, the English lower order scything away in a do-or-die manner at the other end.

Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain the reason this was more than warm, uplifting and cleansing, but subtly monumental.

A Moment Frozen in Its Own Light

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

There will, of course, be a lot of banter-war material to be resolved. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he *Australian* great?

Yet there exists something further about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding one-upmanship. Every Australian who understands cricket already knows Root is a world-class cricketer.

The Captain's Hundred as a Solid Foundation

This ton felt important in other ways, particularly as something concrete in the series for this team, a handhold in the glacier.

This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in truly tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.

It had to start with the team in deep trouble, and England’s key batter coming out at 5/2. A chance was put down early in the slips.

The Juxtaposition in the Crease

In the afternoon session, England were in a reasonable position. Two examples of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.

On one side, Root was playing his natural game, easy, lithe, alert. Meanwhile, Brook was batting like a man who urgently requires the bathroom.

All the while, a darkness was coming, shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro preparing for the key spell of the day.

A Costly Stroke

Do you run towards this danger? Yes. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.

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

It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We have seen England bat in Australia like the Tin Man. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.

The Veteran's Quiet Rebuke

Thus one half of this England team persisted in failing, while at the other end Root batted with immense resolve, but for the team's cause.

He delivered his own masterful response, a success for doing your homework, working at your flaws.

England are still in this series because he achieved the milestone, provided a lesson in what talent ultimately means.

Can they dismiss Australia? Can they evolve? Uncertain. But Joe Root made a hundred.