Magnificent Root Glories in Australian Glory at Last but Brook’s Folly May Come at a Price
Ultimately, the very celebration was perfect, on the field under that strange intense blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the game-state – frantic Baz energy, England’s lower order scything away with reckless abandon at the other end.
Right. All that drama. Amidst it all, Joe Root steered the ball away past fine leg to complete his long-awaited Test hundred in Australia.
However, for those who understand, the significance is clear. Consider trying to explain why this was not just heartwarming, inspiring and cathartic, but quietly epic.
An Achievement Caught in Time
A batsman who already had 39 centuries in this rigorous discipline of a sport has now registered his 40th. However, consider the journey, the craft, the jags in the road.
There will, of course, be plenty of banter-war talk to be settled. Does this cement Joe Root's greatness? Does he now rank among Australian greats?
But there is something more about wanting Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Any Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a exceptional cricketer.
The Captain's Century as a Reliable Anchor
This ton felt meaningful in other ways, especially as something solid in the series for this team, a handhold in the difficulty.
Are England going to win at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook play... the worst shot yet? Yes. He did.
And not just a hundred in Australia, but a brilliant one in truly tough conditions, an innings that might just have saved his team in this series.
The innings commenced with the early wickets tumbling, and England’s key batter coming out at 5/2. Root was dropped early in the slips.
The Juxtaposition in the Middle
By mid-afternoon, England were 175 for three. Two embodiments of elite Yorkshire grit at the crease.
At one end, Root was simply being himself, relaxed, lithe, 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 pink ball genius revving up for the crucial spell of the day.
A Costly Decision
Should one attack this threat? Yep. No sighters, no feet. Just a flash of the bat first up.
The delivery to Brook was full-length, the edge healthy. There is no world where this was a good choice.
It was at least novel in its utter failure. We have seen England bat in Australia like a rusted machine. This was Brook as the scarecrow, batting without a brain.
The Veteran's Steady Response
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 offered his own masterful response, a triumph for doing your homework, addressing your flaws.
England are still in this series because he did the thing, provided a lesson in what talent in the end means.
Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? Uncertain. But Joe Root made a hundred.
