The Legend of 766 - When Cook Conquered Australia
The legendary record-breaking 766 scored by an English batsman during an Ashes series ranks second only to the great Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the English team badly required confidence in the series
In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, the visiting team need to regroup before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years
Players representing England have often become lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue
The Inspirational Success
Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration achieved by a shining knight
It is exactly the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia over nearly four decades
Historic Achievement
It commenced of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries accumulating 766 runs
The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals during a Test series on Australian soil
The English triumphed 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins
The team hasn't secured a Test victory there since that memorable series
Looking Back
"People overlook the challenging periods, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook recalls
"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory came through innings wins"
Path to Success
Cook's road to down under success commenced well before after that year's Ashes on home soil
Despite English victory, Cook scored under 25 per innings with just one score over fifty
He wanted more
"Despite cricket's collective nature, personal performance generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he notes
Game Improvement
Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back practicing numerous bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch
Beginning performances were encouraging
Cook made three hundreds during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh
Pivotal Instances
After coming back to home soil during the 2010 season, the batsman had a "stinker"
Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29
Scoreless overnight after day two during the final Test against Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his final Test performance ahead of potential omission
"I was sitting at the bar, trying to find the answer by drowning sorrows," he admits
The Turning Point
Cook's 110 secured his place on the plane to Australia
England continued their preparations with two victories and one draw of their warm-up games in Australia
Come the first Test at the Gabba, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick
Record-Breaking Stand
An hour before the end of the third day, the opening pair started the English reply needing to overcome 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with a performance remembered in Ashes history
"I cannot recall any instructions, our conversations," Cook remembers
The opening pair added 188 for the first wicket
Cook's 235 not out was the highest score achieved by a Briton in Australia in eight decades
Total Command
The English took advantage of an astonishing first morning during the following Test in South Australia
Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and struggled throughout
He continued his Brisbane success by scoring 148 in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers
Series Conclusion
England could have retained the urn in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc that would come later
Then came arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition in Australia
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the home side were blown away for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," Cook remembers
The Final Victory
Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their best score in a Test in Australia
The uncertainty wasn't whether England would triumph the match and the Ashes, but the timing
"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers
"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to win the match, it was a moment of complete happiness"
Legacy and Recognition
The batsman received top accolades
The following seven seasons of his cricket journey featured other milestones
Post-cricket career, he was honored for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|