The Legend of 766 - When Cook Conquered Down Under
Sir Alastair's 766 runs by an Englishman during an Ashes series ranks second only to cricket legend Wally Hammond
Brisbane is not a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed hope for the Ashes
Following the loss to Australia at the series start, England need to regroup before heading to the famous Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England for over thirty years
Men wearing three lions have frequently been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir
The Inspirational Triumph
Within recent memory of English disappointments, hopes and athletes exists a motivational tale achieved by a shining knight
Today commemorates 15 years since Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 without loss, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory
Historic Achievement
This marked the start of his successful Australian campaign; three hundreds totaling 766 runs
Wally Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs in a series in this country
Victory came 3-1, with all victories through innings victories
England hasn't achieved success at this venue since that memorable series
Cook's Memories
"People overlook the tough times, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook recalls
"With pride I remember. I played a significant part during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games came through innings wins"
Path to Success
The path to down under success commenced well before following the 2009 series in England
Despite English victory, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings exceeding half-century
He desired better
"Cricket is a team game, the individuality does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he explains
Skill Development
Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance
Beginning performances were encouraging
Cook made three centuries during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh
Pivotal Instances
Upon his return to England for the 2010 summer, the batsman had a "stinker"
Across eight appearances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings totaled just 29 runs
On nought not out following the second day during the final Test facing Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced this would be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission
"I found myself in the bar, trying to find the answer by drowning sorrows," he admits
Decisive Instance
Cook's 110 secured his place for the Australian tour
Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests down under
When the first Test arrived at the famous ground, they faced three wickets from Siddle
Memorable Collaboration
Shortly prior to the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs
They achieved 19 without loss by day's end and proceeded with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore
"I cannot recall the messages, our conversations," Cook remembers
The opening pair added 188 together
His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance by an Englishman down under since the 1930s
Complete Control
England capitalised on an incredible start of the second Test at Adelaide
After Anderson also dismissed the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover
He continued 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 series in Western Australia, however Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters
The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition down under
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98
"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. There was disbelief when play concluded," Cook remembers
Series Conclusion
Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook was at it again in Sydney
The 189-run innings lifted England to 644, their record innings on Australian soil
The question was not whether England would triumph the match and the Ashes, but when
"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook
"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to claim triumph, it represented an instant of complete happiness"
Historical Significance
He earned series honors
The subsequent seven years of his Test career were illuminated by further accomplishments
Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for services to cricket
"{I couldn't have played any better|