Remembering 766 - Cook's Dominance of Australia
Alastair Cook's record-breaking 766 by an Englishman in Australian conditions is only bettered by Wally Hammond
Brisbane hasn't been a place that offers the English team some much-needed hope for the Ashes
Following the loss to the hosts in the first Test, the tourists have to bounce back ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986
Men wearing three lions have habitually been outmatched opponents in Brisbane
Cook's Memorable Success
Among a recent history of English disappointments, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story delivered by a shining knight
Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph down under during recent memory
Historic Achievement
It commenced of the victorious Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores and 766 runs
The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals during a Test series on Australian soil
England won 3-1, with all victories through innings victories
England hasn't achieved a Test here since that historic campaign
Personal Reflections
"You forget the difficult moments, the tension and worry that went into that," the cricketer reflects
"I look back with pride. I played a significant part in a series when England won 3-1 down under and all three games came through innings wins"
The Road to Greatness
Cook's road to his Australian epic commenced well before at the end of that year's Ashes on home soil
Though England triumphed, the opener averaged less than 25 managing only one innings exceeding half-century
He desired better
"Despite cricket's collective nature, personal performance does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he explains
Technical Transformation
Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch
Beginning performances proved positive
Cook made three hundred-run innings during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh
Crucial Turning Points
After coming back to England during the 2010 season, the batsman had a "stinker"
In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score was 29
On nought not out following the second day's play in the third match against Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain it might be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission
"There I was at the bar, seeking the resolution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals
Decisive Instance
His century secured his place on the plane to Australia
Preparation continued with two victories and one draw of their warm-up games in Australia
When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they encountered three wickets from Siddle
Historic Partnership
Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, both batsmen began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and followed up through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore
"I cannot recall any instructions, our discussions," recalls Cook
The left-handers contributed 188 in their partnership
Cook's 235 not out represented the top score by an Englishman on Australian soil in eight decades
Complete Control
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session of the second Test in Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and never recovered
Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics with 148 during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack
Ultimate Victory
Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later
The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day in Ashes history in Australia
In Melbourne, the massive stadium of Australian cricket, and on Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," recalls Cook
The Final Victory
Motivated by purpose to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the SCG
The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their best score on Australian soil
The question was not whether England would triumph the match and the Ashes, but when
"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook
"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to secure victory, it represented an instant of absolute joy"
Legacy and Recognition
The batsman received top accolades
The remaining seven years of his cricket journey featured other milestones
After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|