766 and All That - Cook's Dominance of Australia
The legendary 766 runs scored by an English batsman on an Ashes tour is only bettered by Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the English team crucial confidence in the series
After defeat by the Australian side at the series start, England have to bounce back before heading to the famous Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England for decades
Players representing England have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue
The Inspirational Triumph
Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story delivered by a cricket hero
This marks 15 years since Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining unbeaten 235, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory
Historic Achievement
This marked the start of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries totaling 766 runs
The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs in a series in this country
The English triumphed 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins
They have not won a Test victory there since that historic campaign
Cook's Memories
"You forget the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," Cook recalls
"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact in a tournament that saw the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil and all three games was achieved comprehensively"
The Road to Greatness
Cook's road toward Australian glory commenced well before after that year's Ashes in the UK
Though England triumphed, the opening batsman had an average below 25 with just one score exceeding half-century
He sought improvement
"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel like you want to pull your weight," he states
Game Improvement
Shortly after the celebrations, he was back facing countless bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch
Early outcomes proved positive
He scored three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh
Pivotal Instances
When Cook returned to British conditions for that year's summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"
Across eight appearances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings totaled just 29 runs
Without runs following day two during the final Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain it might be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission
"I was sitting in the bar, attempting to discover the answer by drowning sorrows," he confesses
Critical Moment
Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour
Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests on Australian soil
As the opening match began in Brisbane, they faced a Siddle hat-trick
Historic Partnership
Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, the opening pair opened England's second innings with a deficit of 221 runs
They reached 19-0 when play concluded and proceeded with an exhibition engraved in cricket memory
"My memory doesn't retain the messages, our conversations," recalls Cook
The left-handers accumulated 188 runs for the first wicket
Cook's 235 not out was the highest score achieved by a Briton down under in eight decades
Complete Control
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session in the second match in Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, the score read 2-3 and struggled throughout
The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack
Ultimate Victory
The English might have secured the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble that would come later
The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket in Australia
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the Australian team collapsed to 98 all out
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, this was it. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," Cook remembers
Ultimate Success
Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, Cook was at it again in Sydney
His 189 helped England reach 644, their best score on Australian soil
The debate didn't concern if England would win the game and series, but the timing
"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers
"Following Tremlett's wicket of the last player to secure victory, that was a time of pure elation"
Legacy and Recognition
The batsman received top accolades
The following seven seasons in his international career included further accomplishments
Post-cricket career, he was honored for services to cricket
"{I couldn't have played any better|