766 and All That - Cook's Dominance of the Australian Team

The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers England some much-needed Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to Australia at the series start, the tourists need to regroup ahead of visiting the Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Players representing England have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Triumph

Among a recent history of English disappointments, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration provided by a shining knight

This marks a decade and a half after Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba with a career-defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test of 2010-11 and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia over nearly four decades

Record-Breaking Performance

It commenced of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries totaling 766 runs

Wally Hammond stands as the only Briton who has made more runs throughout a campaign down under

England won 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins

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

Cook's Memories

"You forget the challenging periods, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," Cook recalls

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact during a campaign where England won 3-1 down under and all three games was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

Cook's road toward Australian glory commenced well before after the 2009 series in England

England won, Cook averaged less than 25 with just one score over fifty

He sought improvement

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he states

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous of balls in the nets under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances were encouraging

He scored three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

When Cook returned to England during the 2010 season, the batsman performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance was 29

Without runs after the second day of the third Test against Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"There I was in the bar, trying to find the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

Critical Moment

Cook's 110 secured his place on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests in Australia

Come the first Test in Brisbane, they faced a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

An hour before the third day's close, the opening pair began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps then continued with an exhibition engraved in cricket memory

"I don't remember the messages, our conversations," says Cook

Both left-handed batsmen added 188 for the first wicket

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score by an Englishman on Australian soil for 82 years

Total Command

England exploited a remarkable opening session during the following Test in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

He continued his Brisbane success by scoring 148 in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters

What followed was arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition down under

In Melbourne, the massive stadium of Australian sport, on the holiday, the home side were blown away for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned when play concluded," says Cook

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His 189 contributed to England's 644, their best score in a Test in Australia

The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph both match and urn, but the timing

"The environment was electric," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the last player to win the match, it was a moment of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

He earned series honors

The remaining seven years of his cricket journey included other milestones

Following his international retirement, Cook was knighted for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|