Remembering 766 - When Cook Conquered Australia

The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the English team badly required hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to the Australian side in the first Test, the tourists must stir themselves before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where England have not won since 1986

Players representing England have frequently been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Success

Within recent memory of English disappointments, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration provided by a shining knight

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries accumulating 766 runs

Wally Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs throughout a campaign down under

England won 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins

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

Cook's Memories

"People overlook the challenging periods, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw England won 3-1 down under and all three games were won by an innings"

The Road to Greatness

The path toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier at the end of that year's Ashes in the UK

Though England triumphed, Cook scored under 25 per innings with just one score exceeding half-century

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he states

Skill Development

Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he returned hitting hundreds and hundreds bowls during training with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances showed promise

He scored three hundred-run innings during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

After coming back to British conditions for that year's summer, Cook struggled significantly

Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings was 29

Without runs following the second day's play during the final Test against Pakistan at the famous ground, the batsman felt certain it might be his last Test innings prior to selection

"I was sitting at the bar, seeking the solution through drinking," he admits

Decisive Instance

His century secured his place in the squad down under

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games down under

As the opening match began in Brisbane, they encountered three wickets from Siddle

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, the opening pair started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and followed up with a performance remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain the messages, anything of what we spoke about," recalls Cook

The left-handers accumulated 188 runs for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal stood as the best performance from an English player in Australia in eight decades

Complete Control

England capitalised on an incredible start during the following Test in South Australia

Following Anderson's additional wicket the opposition player, the score read 2-3 and couldn't recover

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane success with 148 in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, however Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later

Then came arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition in Australia

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," Cook remembers

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the SCG

His 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia

The debate didn't concern if victory would come the game and series, but the timing

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to claim triumph, it represented an instant of absolute joy"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons in his international career were illuminated by additional achievements

Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|