Remembering 766 - When Cook Conquered Down Under

Alastair Cook batting

Alastair Cook's impressive 766 from an English player in Australian conditions ranks second only to cricket legend Wally Hammond

Lead Cricket Journalist in Brisbane

Released recently

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|

Shawn Reed
Shawn Reed

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