766 and All That - When Cook Conquered the Australian Team
The legendary 766 runs by an Englishman during an Ashes series was only surpassed by cricket legend Wally Hammond
Brisbane is not a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series
In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, the visiting team have to bounce back before heading to the famous Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986
Players representing England have habitually been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue
Cook's Memorable Achievement
Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration delivered by a cricket hero
It is exactly 15 years since the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark 235 not out, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win on Australian soil over nearly four decades
Unforgettable Series
This marked the start of his successful tour of Australia; three centuries totaling 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals in a series down under
The English triumphed 3-1, where each success by an innings
The team hasn't secured a Test here since that memorable series
Personal Reflections
"You forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook remembers
"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a series when England won 3-1 in Australia where each victory were won by an innings"
Path to Success
The path to down under success began 18 months earlier after the 2009 Ashes in England
Despite English victory, Cook scored under 25 per innings with just one score over fifty
He desired better
"Cricket is a team game, personal performance creates the sensation that personal responsibility matters," he notes
Technical Transformation
Shortly after the celebrations, he was back practicing numerous of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch
Beginning performances were encouraging
He scored three hundreds on the 2009-10 winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams
Career-Defining Moments
When Cook returned to British conditions for that year's summer, the batsman struggled significantly
During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29
On nought not out following the second day's play during the final Test facing Pakistan at The Oval, Cook believed he was playing his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission
"I was sitting in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the resolution by drowning sorrows," he admits
Decisive Instance
The 110-run innings secured his place on the plane to Australia
England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games down under
Come the first Test at the famous ground, they faced a Siddle hat-trick
Historic Partnership
Shortly prior to the third day's close, the opening pair began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 by day's end then continued with a performance etched in Ashes folklore
"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, anything of what we spoke about," Cook remembers
The left-handers added 188 in their partnership
The 235 without dismissal was the highest score achieved by a Briton in Australia for 82 years
Complete Control
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session of the second Test at Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout
The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers
Series Conclusion
England could have retained the urn in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters
The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket on Australian soil
At the MCG, the massive stadium of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," recalls Cook
Ultimate Success
Driven by determination to win the urn, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney
His score of 189 lifted England to 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia
The question was not if victory would come the game and series, rather when
"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook
"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to secure victory, it was a moment of pure elation"
Enduring Impact
Cook was player of the series
The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey were illuminated by additional achievements
Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|