The Legend of 766 - Cook's Triumph in Australia
Sir Alastair's record-breaking 766 from an English player during an Ashes series was only surpassed by Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the English team some much-needed confidence in the series
After defeat by the Australian side during the opening match, the visiting team need to regroup before heading to the Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for decades
English cricketers have habitually been easy prey at the Gabbatoir
A Shining Knight's Success
Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale achieved by an exceptional player
This marks the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba via a landmark 235 not out, saving the first Test of 2010-11 paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory
Unforgettable Series
It was the beginning of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds and 766 runs
Wally Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals in a series down under
England won 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins
England hasn't achieved a Test victory there since that memorable series
Cook's Memories
"One tends to forget the challenging periods, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook recalls
"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial in a series when England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games was achieved comprehensively"
Journey to Excellence
His journey to down under success began 18 months earlier at the end of the 2009 series on home soil
Despite English victory, Cook had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty
He wanted more
"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he notes
Game Improvement
Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back practicing numerous of balls in the nets under Graham Gooch's guidance
Early outcomes showed promise
He scored three hundred-run innings during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh
Pivotal Instances
When Cook returned to England for the 2010 summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"
Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings reached only 29
On nought not out at the end of the second day's play during the final Test against Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain this would be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission
"There I was in the hospitality area, trying to find the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals
Critical Moment
The 110-run innings ensured his position in the squad down under
Preparation continued through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests down under
As the opening match began at the famous ground, they faced a Siddle hat-trick
Record-Breaking Stand
Just before day three's conclusion, Cook and Strauss started the English reply needing to overcome 221 runs
They achieved 19 without loss by day's end and proceeded with an exhibition engraved in cricket memory
"I cannot recall any instructions, our conversations," recalls Cook
The opening pair contributed 188 in their partnership
The 235 without dismissal represented the top score from an English player in Australia since the 1930s
Total Command
England capitalised on an astonishing first morning during the following Test in South Australia
When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout
The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics with 148 in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian bowling
Ultimate Victory
The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters
Then came possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil
At the MCG, the enormous ground of Australian sport, on the holiday, the hosts were dismissed for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. There was disbelief as the day ended," Cook remembers
Ultimate Success
Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total during Australian Tests
The question was not if victory would come the game and series, 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"
Enduring Impact
The batsman received top accolades
The remaining seven years of his cricket journey included other milestones
Post-cricket career, he was honored for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|
