Remembering 766 - Cook's Dominance of Australia

Brisbane is not a location providing the English team crucial confidence in the series

Following the loss to the Australian side in the first Test, England have to bounce back ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

English cricketers have frequently been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Triumph

Throughout modern times of English disappointments, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story delivered by an exceptional player

This marks 15 years since the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test of 2010-11 and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil in the past 38 years

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs throughout a campaign in this country

England won 3-1, with every win through innings victories

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

Looking Back

"One tends to forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern that went into that," the cricketer reflects

"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil and all three games came through innings wins"

Path to Success

The path to down under success commenced well before at the end of that year's Ashes in England

England won, Cook scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance over fifty

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution creates the sensation that personal responsibility matters," he states

Game Improvement

Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back practicing numerous deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances were encouraging

Cook made three hundreds on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Crucial Turning Points

After coming back to home soil for that year's summer, the batsman struggled significantly

During eight batting opportunities versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings reached only 29

On nought not out following the second day during the final Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed this would be his last Test innings before being dropped

"There I was in the hospitality area, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he admits

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 ensured his position on the plane to Australia

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw in practice matches in Australia

As the opening match began in Brisbane, they were hit by three wickets from Siddle

Historic Partnership

An hour before day three's conclusion, both batsmen opened England's second innings with a deficit of 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps then continued with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain the messages, our discussions," Cook remembers

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs for the first wicket

His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance from an English player down under since the 1930s

Series Dominance

England exploited an incredible start during the following Test at Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the urn in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history on Australian soil

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, on the holiday, the Australian team collapsed to 98 all out

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. There was disbelief as the day ended," recalls Cook

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His 189 lifted England to 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The question was not if England would win the game and series, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to claim triumph, that was a time of absolute joy"

Historical Significance

He earned series honors

The remaining seven years of his Test career were illuminated by other milestones

Post-cricket career, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|