766 and All That - Cook's Dominance of Down Under
Alastair Cook's impressive 766 from an English player during an Ashes series ranks second only to the great Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series
In the wake of losing to the hosts at the series start, England must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed since 1986
English cricketers have frequently been outmatched opponents in Brisbane
A Shining Knight's Success
Among a recent history of broken English hopes, hopes and athletes lies an inspirational story achieved by an exceptional player
It is exactly the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 not out, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil in the past 38 years
Record-Breaking Performance
It commenced of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries totaling 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs in a series down under
The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories through innings victories
They have not won a Test victory there since those glory days
Looking Back
"You forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook remembers
"I look back with pride. I played a significant part in a series when England triumphed 3-1 down under with every match was achieved comprehensively"
The Road to Greatness
Cook's road to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier after the 2009 series on home soil
Though England triumphed, the opener scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings above 50
He desired better
"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he explains
Skill Development
Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back facing countless bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance
The initial results proved positive
He scored three centuries on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh
Career-Defining Moments
Upon his return to British conditions for that year's summer, the batsman struggled significantly
In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score totaled just 29 runs
On nought not out following day two of the third Test against Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed this would be his last Test innings before being dropped
"There I was in the bar, attempting to discover the resolution through drinking," he admits
The Turning Point
The 110-run innings secured his place for the Australian tour
The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests on Australian soil
Come the first Test at the famous ground, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick
Historic Partnership
Just before the third day's close, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs
They achieved 19 without loss when play concluded and proceeded with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore
"I cannot recall any instructions, our discussions," Cook remembers
Both left-handed batsmen added 188 in their partnership
His unbeaten 235 was the highest score from an English player on Australian soil since the 1930s
Series Dominance
The English took advantage of an incredible start during the following Test in Adelaide
After Anderson also dismissed the opposition player, the score read 2-3 and never recovered
He continued his Brisbane success through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers
The Final Triumph
The English might have secured the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters
Then came possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket down under
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the hosts were dismissed for 98
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," Cook remembers
The Final Victory
Motivated by purpose to secure the Ashes, the batsman performed brilliantly at the SCG
The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their record innings during Australian Tests
The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the match and the Ashes, but the timing
"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook
"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to claim triumph, that was a time of complete happiness"
Legacy and Recognition
He earned series honors
The following seven seasons in his international career included additional achievements
Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|