The Legend of 766 - Cook's Triumph in Down Under

The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the Three Lions some much-needed hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to the Australian side during the opening match, the tourists need to regroup for a trip to the famous Gabba, a stadium where England have not won since 1986

Men wearing three lions have habitually been lambs to the slaughter in Brisbane

Cook's Memorable Triumph

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration provided by a cricket hero

This marks the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test of 2010-11 and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win down under over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

It commenced of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals during a Test series on Australian soil

Victory came 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the tension and worry accompanying that success," Cook recalls

"I look back with pride. I played a significant part in a series when England triumphed 3-1 in Australia with every match was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

His journey to down under success commenced well before at the end of the 2009 Ashes in England

Though England triumphed, the opening batsman had an average below 25 achieving merely one performance above 50

He wanted more

"Cricket is a team game, personal performance creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Game Improvement

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

The initial results proved positive

The batsman achieved three centuries during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to British conditions for the 2010 summer, Cook performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his best performance was 29

Without runs following the second day of the third Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his last Test innings prior to selection

"I was sitting in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the resolution through drinking," he confesses

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 secured his place in the squad down under

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games on Australian soil

When the first Test arrived in Brisbane, they faced three wickets from Siddle

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to the third day's close, both batsmen started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and proceeded with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history

"I cannot recall the messages, anything of what we spoke about," Cook remembers

The left-handers accumulated 188 runs for the first wicket

Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance from an English player down under for 82 years

Series Dominance

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session during the following Test in Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

Victory was possible the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later

What followed was possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket down under

In Melbourne, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the Australian team were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, it was that. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney

The 189-run innings lifted England to 644, their highest total in a Test in Australia

The uncertainty wasn't if England would win the match and the Ashes, rather when

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

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

Enduring Impact

The batsman received top accolades

The remaining seven years of his cricket journey were illuminated by further accomplishments

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|