Remembering 766 - Cook's Triumph in Australia
Sir Alastair's record-breaking 766 from an English player in Australian conditions was only surpassed by Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the Three Lions badly required confidence in the series
In the wake of losing to the hosts at the series start, England have to bounce back for a trip to the famous Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for decades
Players representing England have frequently been easy prey in Brisbane
The Inspirational Triumph
Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale achieved by an exceptional player
Today commemorates 15 years since Sir Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 without loss, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory down under over nearly four decades
Historic Achievement
It commenced of the victorious tour of Australia; three hundreds totaling 766 runs
The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs during a Test series in this country
England won 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins
They have not won a Test here since those glory days
Looking Back
"People overlook the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook recalls
"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory were won by an innings"
The Road to Greatness
His journey to down under success started a year and a half before after that year's Ashes in England
Though England triumphed, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings with just one score above 50
He desired better
"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he notes
Skill Development
Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back at work facing countless of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch
Beginning performances were encouraging
Cook made three centuries on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh
Pivotal Instances
After coming back to England during the 2010 season, the left-hander performed poorly
During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his top innings totaled just 29 runs
On nought not out at the end of day two of the third Test against Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced this would be his last Test innings prior to selection
"I found myself in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he confesses
Decisive Instance
The 110-run innings ensured his position on the plane to Australia
England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games on Australian soil
Come the first Test at the Gabba, they faced a Siddle hat-trick
Historic Partnership
Shortly prior to the end of the third day, both batsmen opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with an exhibition engraved in cricket memory
"My memory doesn't retain the messages, our discussions," says Cook
The opening pair accumulated 188 runs in their partnership
Cook's 235 not out represented the top score from an English player on Australian soil since the 1930s
Total Command
The English took advantage of an incredible start of the second Test at Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and couldn't recover
Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian bowling
Series Conclusion
England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later
The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket on Australian soil
At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the hosts were dismissed for 98
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, this was it. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," says Cook
Ultimate Success
Motivated by purpose to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His 189 helped England reach 644, their best score in a Test in Australia
The question was not if England would win the match and the Ashes, but the timing
"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers
"When Tremlett got the final batsman to win the match, it was a moment of absolute joy"
Legacy and Recognition
Cook was player of the series
The subsequent seven years in his international career included further accomplishments
Post-cricket career, he was honored for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|