The Legend of 766 - When Cook Conquered the Australian Team
The legendary 766 runs scored by an English batsman in Australian conditions is only bettered by cricket legend Wally Hammond
Brisbane is not a location providing England badly required Ashes optimism
Following the loss to Australia at the series start, the tourists have to bounce back before heading to the famous Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England since 1986
Men wearing three lions have frequently been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir
Cook's Memorable Success
Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration provided by an exceptional player
Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path toward their sole series victory in Australia in the past 38 years
Historic Achievement
It commenced of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries totaling 766 runs
Wally Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs in a series down under
Victory came 3-1, with every win through innings victories
They have not won success at this venue since that historic campaign
Cook's Memories
"People overlook the tough times, the nervousness and anxiety that went into that," Cook remembers
"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory down under with every match was achieved comprehensively"
The Road to Greatness
His journey toward Australian glory started a year and a half before after the 2009 Ashes in England
Despite English victory, Cook averaged less than 25 achieving merely one performance above 50
He wanted more
"Cricket is a team game, personal performance does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he notes
Game Improvement
Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he returned facing countless of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch
The initial results proved positive
He scored three hundreds on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh
Career-Defining Moments
After coming back to home soil during the 2010 season, Cook performed poorly
Across eight appearances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score was 29
On nought not out after day two during the final Test against Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain it might be his concluding international appearance prior to selection
"I was sitting in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the resolution by drowning sorrows," he confesses
Critical Moment
The 110-run innings secured his place in the squad down under
Preparation continued through successful warm-ups in practice matches down under
As the opening match began at the famous ground, they encountered three wickets from Siddle
Historic Partnership
Shortly prior to the third day's close, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 by day's end then continued with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history
"I cannot recall any instructions, our conversations," recalls Cook
The left-handers added 188 in their partnership
The 235 without dismissal represented the top score from an English player in Australia for 82 years
Series Dominance
The English took advantage of an astonishing first morning in the second match at Adelaide
When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered
Cook followed up his Brisbane success with 148 in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling
Ultimate Victory
The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters
The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket down under
At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, and on Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," Cook remembers
Series Conclusion
Motivated by purpose to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney
His 189 contributed to England's 644, their best score during Australian Tests
The question was not if victory would come both match and urn, rather when
"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook
"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to secure victory, that was a time of pure elation"
Legacy and Recognition
Cook was player of the series
The remaining seven years of his cricket journey featured further accomplishments
After retiring internationally, he was honored for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|