The Legend of 766 - Cook's Dominance of the Australian Team
Sir Alastair's impressive 766 scored by an English batsman during an Ashes series ranks second only to cricket legend Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the English team badly required hope for the Ashes
Following the loss to Australia in the first Test, the tourists need to regroup before heading to the famous Gabba, a ground where England have not won for over thirty years
English cricketers have often become easy prey in Brisbane
The Inspirational Triumph
Throughout modern times of English disappointments, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration delivered by a shining knight
It is exactly a decade and a half after the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia in the past 38 years
Historic Achievement
It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores accumulating 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs in a series down under
The English triumphed 3-1, with every win by an innings
The team hasn't secured success at this venue since that historic campaign
Looking Back
"One tends to forget the tough times, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook recalls
"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games was achieved comprehensively"
Path to Success
His journey to his Australian epic commenced well before after that year's Ashes on home soil
Despite English victory, the opener scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance exceeding half-century
He wanted more
"Despite cricket's collective nature, the individuality creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he states
Technical Transformation
Two days after the celebrations, he was back practicing numerous deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance
Early outcomes showed promise
The batsman achieved three hundreds on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh
Crucial Turning Points
When Cook returned to British conditions during the 2010 season, the left-hander had a "stinker"
In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29
Scoreless overnight following the second day during the final Test facing Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced he was playing his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission
"There I was in the bar, seeking the solution by drowning sorrows," he admits
Critical Moment
The 110-run innings 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 faced a Siddle hat-trick
Record-Breaking Stand
Just before day three's conclusion, the opening pair opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs
They reached 19-0 by day's end and followed up through a demonstration engraved in cricket memory
"I don't remember the messages, our discussions," recalls Cook
The left-handers added 188 together
Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance achieved by a Briton on Australian soil for 82 years
Series Dominance
England exploited an incredible start during the following Test in South Australia
When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered
Cook followed up his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling
Ultimate Victory
Victory was possible the urn in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters
The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket in Australia
At the MCG, the enormous ground of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the Australian team collapsed to 98 all out
"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," recalls Cook
Series Conclusion
Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG
His 189 contributed to England's 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia
The question was not if victory would come both match and urn, but when
"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook
"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to win the match, it was a moment of complete happiness"
Legacy and Recognition
He earned series honors
The subsequent seven years of his Test career were illuminated by additional achievements
Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|