766 and All That - Cook's Triumph in Down Under
Alastair Cook's 766 runs scored by an English batsman during an Ashes series is only bettered by the great Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the Three Lions badly required confidence in the series
Following the loss to the hosts during the opening match, the visiting team must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England since 1986
Men wearing three lions have habitually been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue
The Inspirational Triumph
Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story delivered by an exceptional player
This marks the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 without loss, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia over nearly four decades
Unforgettable Series
This marked the start of his successful tour of Australia; three centuries accumulating 766 runs
Wally Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs throughout a campaign down under
The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories by an innings
They have not won success at this venue since that historic campaign
Personal Reflections
"One tends to forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects
"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact in a tournament that saw England won 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory was achieved comprehensively"
Journey to Excellence
His journey to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier following that year's Ashes on home soil
Though England triumphed, the opening batsman averaged less than 25 managing only one innings exceeding half-century
He sought improvement
"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he notes
Technical Transformation
Shortly after the celebrations, he returned hitting hundreds and hundreds of balls in the nets under Graham Gooch's guidance
The initial results proved positive
The batsman achieved three hundreds on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh
Career-Defining Moments
Upon his return to British conditions for that year's summer, the left-hander struggled significantly
Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance reached only 29
On nought not out at the end of the second day's play in the third match versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced it might be his concluding international appearance prior to selection
"I was sitting in the hospitality area, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he confesses
Decisive Instance
Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat in the squad down under
England continued their preparations with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests on Australian soil
As the opening match began at the famous ground, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick
Memorable Collaboration
An hour before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss started the English reply needing to overcome 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 at stumps then continued through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history
"I don't remember specific guidance, our discussions," says Cook
Both left-handed batsmen added 188 in their partnership
Cook's 235 not out represented the top score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil since the 1930s
Series Dominance
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session during the following Test in South Australia
After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered
He continued his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers
Series Conclusion
England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters
What followed was arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition in Australia
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the massive stadium of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the Australian team were dismissed for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," Cook remembers
Series Conclusion
Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia
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 the last player to secure victory, it was a moment of pure elation"
Historical Significance
The batsman received top accolades
The remaining seven years of his cricket journey featured further accomplishments
After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|