766 and All That - When Cook Conquered Australia
Sir Alastair's 766 runs by an Englishman during an Ashes series was only surpassed by cricket legend Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a location providing England some much-needed confidence in the series
After defeat by Australia in the first Test, the tourists must stir themselves before heading to the famous Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years
Players representing England have often become outmatched opponents in Brisbane
The Inspirational Success
Among a recent history of English disappointments, hopes and athletes lies an inspirational story achieved by a cricket hero
Today commemorates 15 years since the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test of 2010-11 paving England's path toward their sole series victory on Australian soil over nearly four decades
Historic Achievement
It was the beginning of the victorious tour of Australia; three hundred-plus scores and 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs in a series in this country
The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories by an innings
They have not won success at this venue since that historic campaign
Looking Back
"One tends to forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects
"With pride I remember. I made an important impact in a tournament that saw England won 3-1 on Australian soil with every match was achieved comprehensively"
The Road to Greatness
His journey toward Australian glory commenced well before following the 2009 series in England
England won, the opener scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings exceeding half-century
He sought improvement
"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he explains
Technical Transformation
Two days after the celebrations, he returned practicing numerous of balls in the nets under Graham Gooch's guidance
The initial results showed promise
Cook made three hundred-run innings on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh
Career-Defining Moments
Upon his return to home soil during the 2010 season, the batsman had a "stinker"
During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his highest score totaled just 29 runs
Without runs following the second day's play during the final Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed it might be his concluding international appearance prior to selection
"I was sitting in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the answer through drinking," he reveals
Decisive Instance
The 110-run innings secured his place for the Australian tour
The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups in practice matches down under
Come the first Test in Brisbane, they faced three wickets from Siddle
Historic Partnership
Just before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss started the English reply needing to overcome 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and proceeded with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history
"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, our discussions," says Cook
The opening pair contributed 188 in their partnership
His unbeaten 235 represented the top score by an Englishman down under in eight decades
Total Command
England exploited an astonishing first morning of the second Test at Adelaide
After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover
The batsman proceeded his Brisbane success by scoring 148 in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the opposition bowlers
The Final Triumph
Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later
What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history in Australia
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the massive stadium of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the home side were dismissed for 98
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. Incredulity reigned when play concluded," Cook remembers
The Final Victory
Motivated by purpose to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the SCG
His 189 helped England reach 644, their highest total on Australian soil
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 last player to secure victory, it was a moment of absolute joy"
Enduring Impact
He earned series honors
The remaining seven years in his international career featured additional achievements
Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for services to cricket
"{I couldn't have played any better|