Remembering 766 - When Cook Conquered the Australian Team

Brisbane is not a place that offers the Three Lions badly required confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the Australian side during the opening match, the tourists must stir themselves before heading to the famous Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have often become outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Success

Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration provided by a shining knight

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark 235 not out, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win down under during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores accumulating 766 runs

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs throughout a campaign down under

The English triumphed 3-1, where each success through innings victories

The team hasn't secured success at this venue since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"People overlook the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact in a tournament that saw England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil with every match came through innings wins"

Path to Success

Cook's road toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier after the 2009 series on home soil

Though England triumphed, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings exceeding half-century

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, the individuality does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Skill Development

Shortly after the celebrations, he was back at work facing countless bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances proved positive

Cook made three hundreds on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to British conditions for the 2010 summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"

Across eight appearances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score totaled just 29 runs

On nought not out following day two of the third Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed he was playing his last Test innings before being dropped

"I was sitting at the bar, trying to find the resolution by drowning sorrows," he confesses

Critical Moment

His century ensured his position in the squad down under

Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests down under

When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they faced Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

Just before day three's conclusion, both batsmen opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs

They reached 19-0 by day's end then continued through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

"My memory doesn't retain the messages, our discussions," Cook remembers

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil in eight decades

Complete Control

The English took advantage of an incredible start during the following Test in South Australia

After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

Cook followed up his Brisbane success through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

The Final Triumph

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian sport, on the holiday, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. There was disbelief as the day ended," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The question was not whether England would triumph the match and the Ashes, rather when

"The environment was electric," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to win the match, that was a time of complete happiness"

Enduring Impact

The batsman received top accolades

The following seven seasons in his international career featured additional achievements

After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|