Remembering 766 - When Cook Conquered Australia
Sir Alastair's 766 runs scored by an English batsman during an Ashes series was only surpassed by the great Wally Hammond
The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the English team some much-needed hope for the Ashes
After defeat by the hosts at the series start, England have to bounce back ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed for decades
Players representing England have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue
A Shining Knight's Achievement
Among a recent history of broken English hopes, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale delivered by a shining knight
It is exactly a decade and a half after Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 not out, preserving the initial Test during that famous series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory on Australian soil in the past 38 years
Unforgettable Series
It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player who has made more runs throughout a campaign on Australian soil
Victory came 3-1, with all victories via comprehensive wins
They have not won a Test victory there since those glory days
Personal Reflections
"You forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook remembers
"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England won 3-1 in Australia and all three games came through innings wins"
Journey to Excellence
Cook's road to down under success began 18 months earlier following that year's Ashes in the UK
Despite English victory, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings with just one score over fifty
He desired better
"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he notes
Skill Development
Shortly after the victory celebrations, he was back hitting hundreds and hundreds of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch
Beginning performances showed promise
He scored three hundred-run innings on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams
Pivotal Instances
Upon his return to England for that year's summer, the batsman struggled significantly
During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his top innings totaled just 29 runs
Without runs after the second day of the third Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook believed he was playing his concluding international appearance before being dropped
"I was sitting at the bar, trying to find the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he confesses
Decisive Instance
The 110-run innings ensured his position for the Australian tour
Preparation continued with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests down under
As the opening match began at the famous ground, they faced Peter Siddle's hat-trick
Record-Breaking Stand
An hour before the third day's close, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs
The score stood at 19-0 by day's end then continued with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore
"I cannot recall any instructions, our conversations," Cook remembers
Both left-handed batsmen accumulated 188 runs in their partnership
The 235 without dismissal stood as the best performance by an Englishman down under for 82 years
Total Command
England capitalised on an astonishing first morning of the second Test at Adelaide
When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout
The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics with 148 during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack
Ultimate Victory
The English might have secured the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc that would come later
The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil
At the MCG, the enormous ground of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the Australian team were blown away for 98
"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief as the day ended," recalls Cook
Series Conclusion
Motivated by purpose to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground
His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total in a Test in Australia
The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph the game and series, rather when
"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook
"When Tremlett got the final batsman to win the match, it represented an instant of complete happiness"
Historical Significance
He earned series honors
The subsequent seven years in his international career were illuminated by further accomplishments
After retiring internationally, he was honored for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|
