The Legend of 766 - Cook's Triumph in Australia
The legendary impressive 766 by an Englishman during an Ashes series was only surpassed by cricket legend Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed hope for the Ashes
Following the loss to Australia in the first Test, England must stir themselves ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a stadium where England have not won for over thirty years
English cricketers have habitually been easy prey at the Gabbatoir
The Inspirational Success
Throughout modern times of broken English hopes, hopes and athletes lies an inspirational story provided by a shining knight
Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win on Australian soil in the past 38 years
Record-Breaking Performance
It commenced of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds totaling 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign down under
The English triumphed 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins
They have not won a Test here since that memorable series
Personal Reflections
"People overlook the tough times, the tension and worry that went into that," Cook recalls
"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 in Australia and all three games came through innings wins"
The Road to Greatness
His journey toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier at the end of that year's Ashes on home soil
England won, Cook averaged less than 25 achieving merely one performance above 50
He desired better
"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he explains
Skill Development
Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he returned facing countless deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance
Early outcomes showed promise
The batsman achieved three centuries on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh
Pivotal Instances
Upon his return to England for the 2010 summer, Cook performed poorly
In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance totaled just 29 runs
Without runs at the end of the second day's play in the third match against Pakistan in London, Cook believed he was playing his last Test innings ahead of potential omission
"I found myself in the bar, seeking the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits
Decisive Instance
Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat in the squad down under
Preparation continued with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests down under
When the first Test arrived in Brisbane, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick
Memorable Collaboration
Shortly prior to the end of the third day, the opening pair began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs
They reached 19-0 by day's end then continued through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore
"I don't remember specific guidance, our discussions," Cook remembers
Both left-handed batsmen added 188 in their partnership
The 235 without dismissal was the highest score from an English player on Australian soil since the 1930s
Complete Control
England capitalised on an incredible start during the following Test in Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, the score read 2-3 and couldn't recover
He continued his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a famous match featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack
Ultimate Victory
England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters
The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history on Australian soil
In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, and on Boxing Day, the Australian team collapsed to 98 all out
"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," Cook remembers
Ultimate Success
Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His score of 189 lifted England to 644, their best score on Australian soil
The question was not if England would win the game and series, but when
"The environment was electric," says Cook
"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to secure victory, that was a time of absolute joy"
Enduring Impact
The batsman received top accolades
The remaining seven years of his cricket journey included other milestones
After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|