Sublime Joe Root Glories in Aussie Triumph at Long Last but Brook’s Mistake May Be Costly
In the end, the very celebration was flawless, on the field under that unusual vivid blue southern sky, amid the chaos of the contest – hyper Baz energy, England’s lower order cutting loose death cult-style at the other end.
Indeed. All of that. Amidst it all, the former captain eased the ball away through fine leg to secure his first Test hundred in Australia.
Yet, the true meaning resonates with those who have followed the journey. Consider trying to explain the reason this was more than heartwarming, inspiring and cleansing, but profoundly significant.
A Milestone Preserved in Its Own Light
A batsman who already had thirty-nine tons in this traditional format of a sport has now scored his fortieth. But, follow the narrative, the artistry, the setbacks.
There'll, of course, be plenty of debate talk to be resolved. Is Joe Root finally great? Is he considered great by Australian standards?
Yet there exists something further about wishing for Root to be great in Australia. It isn't regarding point-scoring. Any Australian who cares for cricket recognizes Root is a great cricketer.
The Captain's Century as a Solid Anchor
The century felt important in other ways, not least as something tangible in the series for this team, a handhold in the ice.
Are England going to win at the Gabba? Don’t know. But Joe Root got a hundred. Did Harry Brook produce a disastrous stroke? Yes. He did.
This was not merely a hundred in Australia, but a superb one in genuinely 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 a dire 5 for 2. He was given a life early in the slips.
The Juxtaposition in the Crease
By mid-afternoon, England were in a reasonable position. Two examples of elite Yorkshire-dom at the crease.
On one side, 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 Mitchell Starc preparing for the key spell of the day.
A Damaging Stroke
Should one attack this threat? Yep. No settling in, no feet. Just throw the hands at it first up.
The ball to Brook was full-length, the edge thick. There is no world where this was a sensible choice.
It was, if nothing else, novel in its complete misjudgment. 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 Rebuke
Therefore one half of this England team continued to collapse, while at the other end Root batted for survival, but for everyone else’s too.
Root provided his own masterful response, a victory for doing your homework, working at your flaws.
The tourists are still in this series because he did the thing, provided a lesson in what talent ultimately means.
Can they dismiss Australia? Will they adapt? It remains to be seen. But Joe Root made a hundred.