The Legend of 766 - When Cook Conquered Australia
Alastair Cook's record-breaking 766 scored by an English batsman in Australian conditions is only bettered by the great Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series
In the wake of losing to the Australian side in the first Test, the tourists have to bounce back ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed since 1986
English cricketers have habitually been outmatched opponents at this challenging venue
Cook's Memorable Success
Among a recent history of broken English hopes, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale achieved by an exceptional player
Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 without loss, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory
Record-Breaking Performance
This marked the start of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores accumulating 766 runs
Wally Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign on Australian soil
The English triumphed 3-1, where each success through innings victories
They have not won a Test victory there since that memorable series
Personal Reflections
"People overlook the tough times, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook remembers
"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory down under and all three games were won by an innings"
Path to Success
His journey to down under success commenced well before after the 2009 Ashes in the UK
Despite English victory, Cook scored under 25 per innings with just one score above 50
He desired better
"Cricket is a team game, the individuality does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he states
Skill Development
Shortly after the triumphant events, he was back facing countless bowls during training with Graham Gooch
The initial results proved positive
Cook made three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh
Career-Defining Moments
After coming back to England for that year's summer, the left-hander performed poorly
Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score was 29
On nought not out following the second day's play of the third Test against Pakistan in London, Cook believed it might be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission
"I was sitting in the bar, attempting to discover the answer through drinking," he confesses
The Turning Point
Cook's 110 secured his place in the squad down under
Preparation continued through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games on Australian soil
As the opening match began in Brisbane, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick
Memorable Collaboration
Just before the end of the third day, both batsmen began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs
They reached 19-0 at stumps and proceeded through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history
"I don't remember the messages, our conversations," says Cook
The left-handers added 188 together
His unbeaten 235 represented the top score from an English player down under for 82 years
Complete Control
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session of the second Test in Adelaide
After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered
The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling
Ultimate Victory
The English might have secured the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters
Then came arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition in Australia
In Melbourne, the massive stadium of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, this was it. There was disbelief at the end of the day," Cook remembers
The Final Victory
Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground
The 189-run innings lifted England to 644, their highest total during Australian Tests
The question was not if victory would come both match and urn, rather when
"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers
"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to secure victory, it was a moment of complete happiness"
Enduring Impact
He earned series honors
The subsequent seven years of his Test career featured additional achievements
Following his international retirement, he was honored for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|