Remembering 766 - When Cook Conquered the Australian Team
Alastair Cook's impressive 766 scored by an English batsman during an Ashes series was only surpassed by the great Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the English team badly required Ashes optimism
Following the loss to the Australian side at the series start, England must stir themselves before heading to the Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years
English cricketers have frequently been easy prey in Brisbane
Cook's Memorable Success
Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale provided by an exceptional player
This marks a decade and a half after the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 establishing England's trajectory for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil in the past 38 years
Unforgettable Series
It commenced of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries totaling 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country
Victory came 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins
England hasn't achieved a Test here since that historic campaign
Cook's Memories
"You forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern that went into that," Cook remembers
"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw England won 3-1 down under where each victory were won by an innings"
Journey to Excellence
The path toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier at the end of the 2009 Ashes in England
England won, the opening batsman had an average below 25 managing only one innings above 50
He desired better
"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution creates the sensation that personal responsibility matters," he states
Game Improvement
Two days after the triumphant events, he was back facing countless deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance
Early outcomes proved positive
The batsman achieved three hundreds during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh
Crucial Turning Points
Upon his return to British conditions for the 2010 summer, the batsman struggled significantly
In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance reached only 29
On nought not out at the end of the second day's play during the final Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed he was playing his last Test innings before being dropped
"I was sitting in the hospitality area, seeking the solution through drinking," he admits
The Turning Point
The 110-run innings ensured his position on the plane to Australia
The team maintained preparations with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests in Australia
Come the first Test at the Gabba, they were hit by three wickets from Siddle
Historic Partnership
Just before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings with a deficit of 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and followed up with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history
"I don't remember any instructions, our conversations," says Cook
The left-handers contributed 188 together
His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance achieved by a Briton in Australia for 82 years
Series Dominance
The English took advantage of an incredible start during the following Test at Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover
He continued his Brisbane success by scoring 148 during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling
The Final Triumph
Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters
The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance in Ashes history in Australia
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, it was that. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," Cook remembers
Ultimate Success
Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more in Sydney
The 189-run innings contributed to England's 644, their best score during Australian Tests
The uncertainty wasn't if England would win the match and the Ashes, rather when
"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers
"When Tremlett got the final batsman to secure victory, that was a time of absolute joy"
Historical Significance
The batsman received top accolades
The subsequent seven years of his Test career featured additional achievements
Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|
