Remembering 766 - When Cook Conquered Down Under

Brisbane is not a location providing England some much-needed Ashes optimism

Following the loss to the Australian side during the opening match, the visiting team must stir themselves before heading to the Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for decades

Players representing England have often become outmatched opponents at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Achievement

Among a recent history of broken English hopes, dreams and bodies lies an inspirational story provided by a cricket hero

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 without loss, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory down under during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals in a series on Australian soil

Victory came 3-1, with every win by an innings

England hasn't achieved a Test victory there since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"People overlook the challenging periods, the tension and worry accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial in a series when England triumphed 3-1 in Australia and all three games came through innings wins"

Journey to Excellence

The path to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier at the end of that year's Ashes in England

Despite English victory, Cook had an average below 25 with just one score above 50

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance generates the feeling like you want to pull your weight," he states

Game Improvement

Shortly after the triumphant events, he returned facing countless deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance

The initial results showed promise

He scored three centuries during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

Upon his return to home soil during the 2010 season, Cook performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his highest score was 29

On nought not out at the end of the second day's play of the third Test facing Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced this would be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"I found myself in the bar, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he reveals

Critical Moment

The 110-run innings ensured his position on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests on Australian soil

When the first Test arrived at the famous ground, they encountered three wickets from Siddle

Record-Breaking Stand

An hour before the third day's close, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps then continued through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain specific guidance, our discussions," recalls Cook

The left-handers added 188 for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score by an Englishman in Australia in eight decades

Total Command

England exploited an astonishing first morning in the second match at Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket the opposition player, the score read 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 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 preview the destruction that would come later

The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil

At the MCG, the enormous ground of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the hosts were dismissed for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned when play concluded," says Cook

Ultimate Success

Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

The 189-run innings lifted England to 644, their best score in a Test in Australia

The question was not if England would win the game and series, but the timing

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to claim triumph, it was a moment of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

He earned series honors

The subsequent seven years in his international career featured further accomplishments

Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|