The Legend of 766 - Cook's Triumph in the Australian Team
Alastair Cook's 766 runs scored by an English batsman in Australian conditions was only surpassed by the great Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions badly required hope for the Ashes
In the wake of losing to Australia at the series start, England have to bounce back before heading to the Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for over thirty years
Men wearing three lions have often become lambs to the slaughter at the Gabbatoir
Cook's Memorable Triumph
Throughout modern times of English disappointments, dreams and bodies lies an inspirational story delivered by an exceptional player
It is exactly a decade and a half after Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match during that famous series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win on Australian soil during recent memory
Unforgettable Series
This marked the start of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign down under
Victory came 3-1, with all victories through innings victories
England hasn't achieved a Test here since those glory days
Cook's Memories
"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook remembers
"With pride I remember. I made an important impact during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 in Australia with every match was achieved comprehensively"
Path to Success
His journey to down under success started a year and a half before at the end of that year's Ashes on home soil
England won, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings with just one score over fifty
He wanted more
"Cricket is a team game, the individuality does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he explains
Game Improvement
Shortly after the celebrations, he was back practicing numerous deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch
The initial results showed promise
Cook made three centuries on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh
Career-Defining Moments
After coming back to England for that year's summer, Cook performed poorly
In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance was 29
On nought not out at the end of the second day of the third Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed this would be his final Test performance ahead of potential omission
"I was sitting at the bar, attempting to discover the solution by drowning sorrows," he confesses
Decisive Instance
The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour
The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches on Australian soil
When the first Test arrived in Brisbane, they faced a Siddle hat-trick
Memorable Collaboration
Shortly prior to the third day's close, both batsmen began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs
They reached 19-0 at stumps and followed up through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore
"I cannot recall the messages, our discussions," Cook remembers
Both left-handed batsmen added 188 for the first wicket
His unbeaten 235 was the highest score from an English player down under since the 1930s
Complete Control
England capitalised on an incredible start of the second Test in Adelaide
When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and struggled throughout
He continued his Brisbane heroics with 148 during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack
The Final Triumph
Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction that would come later
What followed was possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, and on Boxing Day, the Australian team were dismissed for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," says Cook
The Final Victory
Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG
His 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings on Australian soil
The debate didn't concern if England would win the game and series, but when
"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook
"When Tremlett got the final batsman to secure victory, that was a time of absolute joy"
Legacy and Recognition
The batsman received top accolades
The following seven seasons of his cricket journey featured additional achievements
Post-cricket career, he was honored for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|