Remembering 766 - Cook's Dominance of the Australian Team
The legendary 766 runs from an English player during an Ashes series was only surpassed by the great Wally Hammond
Brisbane hasn't been a place that offers England some much-needed confidence in the series
In the wake of losing to Australia in the first Test, the tourists need to regroup before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for decades
Men wearing three lions have frequently been outmatched opponents in Brisbane
A Shining Knight's Success
Within recent memory of broken English hopes, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration achieved by a cricket hero
This marks 15 years since Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba via a landmark 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match during that famous series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia in the past 38 years
Historic Achievement
It commenced of his successful tour of Australia; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player who has made more runs throughout a campaign down under
England won 3-1, with all victories by an innings
The team hasn't secured success at this venue since that memorable series
Looking Back
"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook recalls
"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory down under with every match were won by an innings"
Path to Success
His journey toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier following that year's Ashes in England
Despite English victory, the opener scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings above 50
He wanted more
"Cricket is a team game, the individuality generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he explains
Game Improvement
Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back facing countless deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch
Early outcomes were encouraging
Cook made three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams
Crucial Turning Points
When Cook returned to home soil for that year's summer, the batsman struggled significantly
During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score totaled just 29 runs
On nought not out following the second day's play during the final Test versus Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain this would be his final Test performance prior to selection
"I found myself in the bar, seeking the resolution through drinking," he reveals
Decisive Instance
The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour
Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games on Australian soil
Come the first Test at the Gabba, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick
Record-Breaking Stand
Just before the third day's close, both batsmen began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs
They reached 19-0 by day's end and followed up with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore
"I cannot recall any instructions, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook
Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 for the first wicket
Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance from an English player on Australian soil in eight decades
Series Dominance
England capitalised on an incredible start of the second Test at Adelaide
When Anderson also nicked off the Australian batsman, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout
The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack
Ultimate Victory
Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters
The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition down under
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the Australian team were blown away for 98
"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief when play concluded," says Cook
Ultimate Success
Driven by determination to claim victory, 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," Cook remembers
"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to win the match, it was a moment of absolute joy"
Enduring Impact
He earned series honors
The remaining seven years in his international career were illuminated by further accomplishments
Following his international retirement, Cook was knighted for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|