766 and All That - Cook's Triumph in the Australian Team
The legendary impressive 766 by an Englishman on an Ashes tour is only bettered by Wally Hammond
Brisbane is not a location providing England badly required hope for the Ashes
In the wake of losing to Australia during the opening match, the visiting team have to bounce back for a trip to Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed for decades
English cricketers have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue
Cook's Memorable Triumph
Within recent memory of English disappointments, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration delivered by an exceptional player
Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark 235 without loss, preserving the initial Test during that famous series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia in the past 38 years
Unforgettable Series
This marked the start of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs
The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs during a Test series down under
Victory came 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins
They have not won success at this venue since that memorable series
Looking Back
"People overlook the difficult moments, the tension and worry accompanying that success," Cook recalls
"With pride I remember. I made an important impact in a series when England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory was achieved comprehensively"
Path to Success
Cook's road to his Australian epic commenced well before after that year's Ashes in England
Despite English victory, the opening batsman averaged less than 25 managing only one innings over fifty
He desired better
"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution creates the sensation that personal responsibility matters," he states
Technical Transformation
Shortly after the victory celebrations, he returned practicing numerous deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance
The initial results showed promise
He scored three hundred-run innings during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams
Crucial Turning Points
After coming back to home soil for that year's summer, the batsman performed poorly
In eight innings facing these opponents, his best performance totaled just 29 runs
On nought not out following day two of the third Test facing Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced he was playing his last Test innings prior to selection
"There I was at the bar, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he confesses
Critical Moment
Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia
Preparation continued through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests down under
As the opening match began at the famous ground, they faced Peter Siddle's hat-trick
Historic Partnership
Just before the end of the third day, both batsmen began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and followed up through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history
"I don't remember any instructions, our conversations," Cook remembers
The opening pair contributed 188 for the first wicket
Cook's 235 not out was the highest score achieved by a Briton in Australia since the 1930s
Series Dominance
The English took advantage of an astonishing first morning in the second match at Adelaide
When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout
The batsman proceeded his Brisbane success by scoring 148 during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the opposition bowlers
Ultimate Victory
England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc he would cause four years later
The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance of Ashes cricket down under
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, it was that. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," recalls Cook
Ultimate Success
Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total during Australian Tests
The uncertainty wasn't if England would win the game and series, rather when
"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers
"Following Tremlett's wicket of the last player to claim triumph, it represented an instant of complete happiness"
Legacy and Recognition
The batsman received top accolades
The remaining seven years of his Test career featured further accomplishments
After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|