The Legend of 766 - Cook's Triumph in Down Under
The legendary 766 runs from an English player in Australian conditions is only bettered by cricket legend Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the Three Lions badly required hope for the Ashes
After defeat by Australia in the first Test, the tourists must stir themselves ahead of visiting the Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for decades
English cricketers have frequently been outmatched opponents at this challenging venue
The Inspirational Triumph
Throughout modern times of English disappointments, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration provided by a cricket hero
Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark 235 not out, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 establishing England's trajectory to their only Ashes series win on Australian soil in the past 38 years
Unforgettable Series
This marked the start of his successful Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs
Wally Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign down under
England won 3-1, with all victories through innings victories
England hasn't achieved a Test victory there since that historic campaign
Looking Back
"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern that went into that," the cricketer reflects
"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial in a series when England won 3-1 down under and all three games were won by an innings"
Path to Success
The path to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier following that year's Ashes on home soil
Despite English victory, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings with just one score over fifty
He wanted more
"Despite cricket's collective nature, personal performance does make you feel like you want to pull your weight," he notes
Technical Transformation
Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back at work practicing numerous bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance
The initial results showed promise
The batsman achieved three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh
Career-Defining Moments
When Cook returned to British conditions during the 2010 season, the batsman performed poorly
In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29
On nought not out following day two of the third Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, the batsman felt certain it might be his concluding international appearance prior to selection
"I found myself in the hospitality area, seeking the answer by drowning sorrows," he reveals
The Turning Point
His century guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia
Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests in Australia
As the opening match began in Brisbane, they encountered three wickets from Siddle
Memorable Collaboration
Just before the third day's close, both batsmen started the English reply trailing by 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and proceeded with a performance etched in Ashes folklore
"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, our discussions," Cook remembers
The left-handers added 188 in their partnership
Cook's 235 not out represented the top score from an English player in Australia in eight decades
Series Dominance
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session in the second match at Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover
The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers
The Final Triumph
Victory was possible the urn in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters
What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket down under
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, on the holiday, the Australian team were dismissed for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. There was disbelief when play concluded," says Cook
Series Conclusion
Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His 189 helped England reach 644, their best score in a Test in Australia
The debate didn't concern if victory would come the game and series, but when
"The environment was electric," Cook remembers
"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to win the match, it represented an instant of absolute joy"
Legacy and Recognition
Cook was player of the series
The following seven seasons in his international career included other milestones
After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|