766 and All That - Cook's Dominance of Down Under
Alastair Cook's record-breaking 766 by an Englishman on an Ashes tour was only surpassed by cricket legend Wally Hammond
Brisbane hasn't been a city to give England crucial Ashes optimism
Following the loss to the hosts at the series start, the tourists must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for decades
Players representing England have habitually been lambs to the slaughter in Brisbane
Cook's Memorable Achievement
Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration achieved by a cricket hero
Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test of 2010-11 and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia over nearly four decades
Historic Achievement
It was the beginning of the victorious tour of Australia; three centuries and 766 runs
Wally Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals during a Test series on Australian soil
Victory came 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins
They have not won success at this venue since those glory days
Looking Back
"You forget the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook recalls
"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil with every match came through innings wins"
Journey to Excellence
Cook's road to his Australian epic commenced well before following the 2009 series in England
Despite English victory, the opener had an average below 25 managing only one innings exceeding half-century
He wanted more
"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution creates the sensation that personal responsibility matters," he states
Game Improvement
Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance
Beginning performances proved positive
Cook made three hundreds on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams
Pivotal Instances
When Cook returned to home soil for the 2010 summer, the left-hander struggled significantly
Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his best performance reached only 29
Without runs after the second day of the third Test versus Pakistan in London, Cook believed it might be his final Test performance before being dropped
"I found myself at the bar, seeking the answer through drinking," he confesses
Critical Moment
His century guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour
The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests in Australia
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, both batsmen opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs
They reached 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore
"My memory doesn't retain the messages, our conversations," says Cook
The opening pair accumulated 188 runs in their partnership
His unbeaten 235 was the highest score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil since the 1930s
Complete Control
England exploited an astonishing first morning in the second match at Adelaide
After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout
The batsman proceeded his Brisbane success by scoring 148 during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian bowling
Series Conclusion
The English might have secured the urn in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later
What followed was possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket on Australian soil
In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian sport, on the holiday, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, it was that. Amazement prevailed 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
The 189-run innings contributed to England's 644, their best score in a Test in Australia
The debate didn't concern if England would win the game and series, rather when
"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook
"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to win the match, that was a time of pure elation"
Legacy and Recognition
The batsman received top accolades
The remaining seven years of his cricket journey featured further accomplishments
Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|