Remembering 766 - When Cook Conquered the Australian Team

Brisbane hasn't been a city to give the English team some much-needed Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, the visiting team must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a ground where victory has eluded England since 1986

Men wearing three lions have habitually been outmatched opponents in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Throughout modern times of broken English hopes, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story achieved by a shining knight

This marks a decade and a half after Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark 235 not out, saving the first Test of 2010-11 paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries and 766 runs

The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals during a Test series on Australian soil

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win by an innings

They have not won a Test victory there since that memorable series

Cook's Memories

"You forget the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. I played a significant part in a series when England won 3-1 down under and all three games were won by an innings"

The Road to Greatness

Cook's road to his Australian epic started a year and a half before at the end of the 2009 series in the UK

England won, the opener scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings above 50

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, the individuality does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he states

Technical Transformation

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back practicing numerous of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances showed promise

He scored three centuries on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

After coming back to England during the 2010 season, the batsman performed poorly

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his best performance reached only 29

On nought not out following the second day's play in the third match versus Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain this would be his concluding international appearance before being dropped

"There I was in the bar, trying to find the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

The Turning Point

His century secured his place on the plane to Australia

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests on Australian soil

Come the first Test in Brisbane, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, the opening pair began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and proceeded through a demonstration engraved in cricket memory

"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, our conversations," says Cook

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs for the first wicket

His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance by an Englishman down under since the 1930s

Total Command

England capitalised on an astonishing first morning during the following Test at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and struggled throughout

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

Victory was possible the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction that would come later

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history in Australia

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, on the holiday, the home side were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief at the end of the day," recalls Cook

Ultimate Success

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

His 189 lifted England to 644, their best score during Australian Tests

The debate didn't concern if victory would come the game and series, but when

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to secure victory, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The remaining seven years of his Test career were illuminated by further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|