Remembering 766 - Cook's Dominance of Down Under

Brisbane hasn't been a location providing the English team crucial hope for the Ashes

Following the loss to Australia during the opening match, the visiting team have to bounce back for a trip to the Gabba, a venue where England have not won for decades

English cricketers have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Success

Among a recent history of broken English hopes, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration achieved by an exceptional player

Today commemorates 15 years since the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path toward their sole series victory down under during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

It was the beginning of his successful Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs in a series in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories via comprehensive wins

The team hasn't secured a Test victory there since those glory days

Looking Back

"People overlook the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw England triumphed 3-1 down under with every match was achieved comprehensively"

The Road to Greatness

His journey to his Australian epic commenced well before at the end of that year's Ashes on home soil

England won, Cook scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance above 50

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he notes

Skill Development

Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

Early outcomes were encouraging

He scored three centuries on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

After coming back to England for that year's summer, the left-hander struggled significantly

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his highest score was 29

On nought not out following the second day's play of the third Test against Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain this would be his final Test performance prior to selection

"I found myself in the hospitality area, seeking the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour

England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches on Australian soil

Come the first Test in Brisbane, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end then continued with a performance engraved in cricket memory

"I cannot recall the messages, our discussions," Cook remembers

Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 in their partnership

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score from an English player on Australian soil since the 1930s

Complete Control

England capitalised on a remarkable opening session of the second Test in South Australia

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics with 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the opposition bowlers

The Final Triumph

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc that would come later

What followed was possibly England's finest day in Ashes history in Australia

In Melbourne, the massive stadium of Australian sport, on the holiday, the Australian team were dismissed for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. There was disbelief as the day ended," says Cook

Series Conclusion

Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their highest total in a Test in Australia

The question was not whether England would triumph both match and urn, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to secure victory, that was a time of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years of his Test career were illuminated by additional achievements

Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|