Remembering 766 - Cook's Triumph in Australia
The legendary record-breaking 766 by an Englishman during an Ashes series ranks second only to Wally Hammond
Brisbane hasn't been a city to give the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series
Following the loss to Australia in the first Test, the tourists have to bounce back before heading to the Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986
Men wearing three lions have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue
The Inspirational Success
Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale achieved by a shining knight
This marks a decade and a half after Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path toward their sole series victory down under during recent memory
Unforgettable Series
It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores accumulating 766 runs
The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign down under
Victory came 3-1, where each success by an innings
They have not won success at this venue since that historic campaign
Personal Reflections
"You forget the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects
"I look back with pride. I made an important impact in a series when England triumphed 3-1 down under with every match came through innings wins"
The Road to Greatness
Cook's road to down under success commenced well before following the 2009 Ashes on home soil
Though England triumphed, Cook had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty
He sought improvement
"Cricket is a team game, personal performance generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he states
Skill Development
Two days after the triumphant events, he was back practicing numerous deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance
The initial results proved positive
The batsman achieved three hundreds during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams
Pivotal Instances
After coming back to home soil for that year's summer, the batsman performed poorly
In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings reached only 29
On nought not out following the second day of the third Test against Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced it might be his concluding international appearance prior to selection
"I found myself at the bar, seeking the answer through drinking," he admits
Decisive Instance
His century secured his place for the Australian tour
The team maintained preparations with two victories and one draw in practice matches down under
Come the first Test at the Gabba, they faced a Siddle hat-trick
Record-Breaking Stand
Just before day three's conclusion, both batsmen began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore
"I cannot recall any instructions, our discussions," Cook remembers
Both left-handed batsmen accumulated 188 runs for the first wicket
The 235 without dismissal stood as the best performance from an English player on Australian soil for 82 years
Complete Control
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session in the second match at Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout
The batsman proceeded his Brisbane success through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack
Ultimate Victory
The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later
The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day in Ashes history down under
In Melbourne, the enormous ground of sports down under, on the holiday, the Australian team were blown away for 98
"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," Cook remembers
The Final Victory
Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, Cook was at it again in Sydney
His 189 contributed to England's 644, their record innings during Australian Tests
The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph the game and series, but the timing
"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook
"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to claim triumph, it represented an instant of complete happiness"
Enduring Impact
The batsman received top accolades
The remaining seven years of his Test career featured further accomplishments
After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|