Remembering 766 - Cook's Triumph in Down Under

The Queensland capital isn't a location providing England some much-needed confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, the visiting team have to bounce back ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where England have not won for over thirty years

English cricketers have frequently been easy prey at the Gabbatoir

Cook's Memorable Triumph

Within recent memory of English disappointments, dreams and bodies lies an inspirational story achieved by a shining knight

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series establishing England's trajectory for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory

Historic Achievement

It commenced of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries accumulating 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs in a series down under

Victory came 3-1, with all victories via comprehensive wins

The team hasn't secured success at this venue since that memorable series

Cook's Memories

"People overlook the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact in a series when England triumphed 3-1 down under and all three games came through innings wins"

Path to Success

Cook's road to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier following the 2009 Ashes in England

Despite English victory, Cook had an average below 25 with just one score above 50

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, personal performance generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he states

Skill Development

Shortly after the celebrations, he returned practicing numerous deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances were encouraging

The batsman achieved three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Career-Defining Moments

When Cook returned to home soil during the 2010 season, Cook had a "stinker"

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his top innings was 29

Without runs at the end of the second day in the third match against Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain it might be his final Test performance prior to selection

"I found myself in the hospitality area, trying to find the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he confesses

The Turning Point

The 110-run innings ensured his position on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups in practice matches on Australian soil

Come the first Test at the famous ground, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Just before the third day's close, the opening pair began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss when play concluded and proceeded through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember specific guidance, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance achieved by a Briton down under for 82 years

Total Command

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session during the following Test in South Australia

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and couldn't recover

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the opposition bowlers

Series Conclusion

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

Then came possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition down under

At the MCG, the enormous ground of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the home side collapsed to 98 all out

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

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney

His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The uncertainty wasn't if England would win the game and series, rather when

"The environment was electric," recalls Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to secure victory, it was a moment of complete happiness"

Historical Significance

Cook was player of the series

The remaining seven years in his international career included further accomplishments

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|