Remembering 766 - When Cook Conquered Down Under
Alastair Cook's impressive 766 from an English player in Australian conditions ranks second only to cricket legend Wally Hammond
Brisbane hasn't been a city to give England some much-needed confidence in the series
Following the loss to Australia in the first Test, England have to bounce back for a trip to the Gabba, a ground where England have not won since 1986
Players representing England have often become lambs to the slaughter in Brisbane
Cook's Memorable Achievement
Within recent memory of broken English hopes, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration achieved by a shining knight
This marks 15 years since Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia over nearly four decades
Unforgettable Series
It was the beginning of the victorious tour of Australia; three hundred-plus scores and 766 runs
Wally Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals during a Test series on Australian soil
The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories by an innings
They have not won success at this venue since those glory days
Cook's Memories
"You forget the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," Cook recalls
"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial in a series when England won 3-1 in Australia where each victory was achieved comprehensively"
Journey to Excellence
Cook's road toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier following the 2009 series in the UK
England won, the opener scored under 25 per innings with just one score above 50
He wanted more
"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he notes
Game Improvement
Two days after the triumphant events, he returned practicing numerous deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch
Early outcomes were encouraging
The batsman achieved three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh
Career-Defining Moments
When Cook returned to home soil for the 2010 summer, the left-hander performed poorly
During eight batting opportunities versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance totaled just 29 runs
Scoreless overnight following the second day during the final Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced this would be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission
"There I was in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the answer through drinking," he reveals
Decisive Instance
Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia
The team maintained preparations with two victories and one draw of their warm-up games down under
Come the first Test at the famous ground, they were hit by three wickets from Siddle
Record-Breaking Stand
Shortly prior to the third day's close, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings with a deficit of 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and proceeded through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history
"My memory doesn't retain specific guidance, our discussions," recalls Cook
Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 in their partnership
The 235 without dismissal represented the top score achieved by a Briton down under in eight decades
Total Command
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session of the second Test at Adelaide
After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and never recovered
Cook followed up his Brisbane success with 148 during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers
The Final Triumph
The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters
Then came perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket on Australian soil
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," recalls Cook
The Final Victory
Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the SCG
His 189 lifted England to 644, their highest total on Australian soil
The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the game and series, but the timing
"The environment was electric," Cook remembers
"When Tremlett got the last player to win the match, it represented an instant of absolute joy"
Historical Significance
He earned series honors
The subsequent seven years in his international career were illuminated by further accomplishments
Following his international retirement, he was honored for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|