Magnificent Joe Root Revels in Aussie Triumph at Last but Harry Brook's Mistake May Prove Costly
Ultimately, the moment of celebration was perfect, out there under that strange vivid blue southern sky, within the tumult of the contest – hyper Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose in a do-or-die manner at the other end.
Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, the veteran batsman eased the ball away to fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.
But, then if you know, you know. Picture trying to explain the reason this was not just warm, inspiring and cleansing, but subtly monumental.
An Achievement Frozen in Its Own Light
A batsman who already had 39 centuries in this starchy formal dance of a sport has now registered his 40th. Yet, consider the narrative, the craft, the setbacks.
There'll, of course, be a lot of discussion stuff to be hashed out. Is Joe Root finally great? 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. Every Australian who cares for cricket is well aware Root is a world-class cricketer.
The Captain's Hundred as a Sturdy Foundation
This ton felt important in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a anchor in the difficulty.
Are England going to win at the Gabba? It's unclear. But Joe Root got a hundred. Was Harry Brook's dismissal the poorest shot? Yes. He did.
And not just a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in genuinely tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.
The innings commenced with the team in deep trouble, and England’s greatest modern player coming out at a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.
The Dichotomy in the Crease
In the afternoon session, England were 3/175. Two versions of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.
At one end, Root was simply being himself, relaxed, lithe, watchful. At the other, Brook was batting like a man who desperately needs the bathroom.
Throughout, a darkness was coming, the shadows creeping across the ground, and the swing maestro preparing for the pivotal spell of the day.
A Damaging Decision
Should one attack this threat? Apparently so. No sighters, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.
The delivery to Brook was full-length, the edge thick. There is no context where this was a good choice.
It was at least novel in its complete misjudgment. We've witnessed England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. Now Brook presented the scarecrow, batting without a brain.
Root's Silent Response
Therefore one half of this England team kept faltering, while at the other end Root batted not just for his life, but for the team's cause.
Root provided his own masterful response, a victory for preparation, addressing your flaws.
England are still in this series because he did the thing, offered a lesson in what skill in the end means.
Are they going to bowl Australia out? Will they adapt? Not sure. But Joe Root made a hundred.
