The Legend of 766 - Cook's Dominance of Down Under
Sir Alastair's record-breaking 766 from an English player in Australian conditions ranks second only to the great Wally Hammond
Brisbane is not a city to give England crucial Ashes optimism
Following the loss to Australia during the opening match, the tourists must stir themselves ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where England have not won for over thirty years
Players representing England have habitually been outmatched opponents at this challenging venue
Cook's Memorable Triumph
Within recent memory of English disappointments, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration provided by a shining knight
This marks the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 without loss, saving the first Test of 2010-11 paving England's path toward their sole series victory on Australian soil during recent memory
Record-Breaking Performance
It commenced of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs
Wally Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals during a Test series in this country
Victory came 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins
They have not won success at this venue since that memorable series
Looking Back
"People overlook the tough times, the nervousness and anxiety that went into that," Cook remembers
"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw England won 3-1 down under where each victory was achieved comprehensively"
Path to Success
His journey toward Australian glory commenced well before following that year's Ashes on home soil
Though England triumphed, the opening batsman had an average below 25 managing only one innings above 50
He sought improvement
"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he notes
Game Improvement
Two days after the triumphant events, he was back facing countless of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch
The initial results were encouraging
He scored three centuries on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh
Pivotal Instances
Upon his return to home soil for the 2010 summer, Cook had a "stinker"
Across eight appearances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29
Scoreless overnight following day two during the final Test versus Pakistan in London, Cook believed it might be his concluding international appearance before being dropped
"I was sitting at the bar, attempting to discover the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals
Decisive Instance
The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour
Preparation continued with two victories and one draw of their warm-up games in Australia
When the first Test arrived in Brisbane, they were hit by three wickets from Siddle
Record-Breaking Stand
Shortly prior to the end of the third day, both batsmen began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs
They achieved 19 without loss when play concluded then continued with a performance etched in Ashes folklore
"My memory doesn't retain specific guidance, our conversations," recalls Cook
Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 for the first wicket
Cook's 235 not out represented the top score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil for 82 years
Series Dominance
The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session of the second Test in South Australia
When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout
Cook followed up his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack
Ultimate Victory
Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc that would come later
Then came possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition down under
In Melbourne, the enormous ground of sports down under, on the holiday, the Australian team were blown away for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, it was that. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," says Cook
Series Conclusion
Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their best score in a Test in Australia
The question was not if victory would come the match and the Ashes, rather when
"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers
"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to claim triumph, it was a moment of complete happiness"
Legacy and Recognition
The batsman received top accolades
The following seven seasons of his Test career were illuminated by further accomplishments
After retiring internationally, he was honored for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|