Remembering 766 - Cook's Dominance of the Australian Team

Brisbane is not a city to give the Three Lions crucial confidence in the series

After defeat by the hosts in the first Test, the visiting team have to bounce back ahead of visiting the Gabba, a venue where England have not won for over thirty years

Players representing England have frequently been outmatched opponents at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Success

Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale achieved by an exceptional player

This marks a decade and a half after Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph down under during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

This marked the start of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries totaling 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign down under

England won 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins

The team hasn't secured a Test victory there since that memorable series

Looking Back

"People overlook the tough times, the apprehension and concern that went into that," Cook recalls

"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 in Australia and all three games came through innings wins"

Path to Success

The path toward Australian glory started a year and a half before at the end of the 2009 series on home soil

Despite English victory, Cook averaged less than 25 achieving merely one performance over fifty

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

The initial results proved positive

The batsman achieved three centuries during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

After coming back to England during the 2010 season, the left-hander had a "stinker"

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance was 29

Scoreless overnight at the end of the second day in the third match versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced it might be his concluding international appearance prior to selection

"There I was at the bar, attempting to discover the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

Decisive Instance

His century secured his place in the squad down under

England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches in Australia

When the first Test arrived at the famous ground, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

An hour before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and proceeded through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember specific guidance, our conversations," says Cook

Both left-handed batsmen added 188 for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal stood as the best performance from an English player in Australia since the 1930s

Complete Control

England exploited a remarkable opening session during the following Test in South Australia

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

He continued his Brisbane success through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian bowling

The Final Triumph

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

Then came possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket in Australia

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the massive stadium of Australian sport, during Boxing Day, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the SCG

His 189 lifted England to 644, their record innings during Australian Tests

The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph the game and series, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook

"When Tremlett got the final batsman to claim triumph, that was a time of complete happiness"

Enduring Impact

He earned series honors

The following seven seasons in his international career featured additional achievements

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|