Remembering 766 - Cook's Dominance of the Australian Team

Brisbane hasn't been a location providing the Three Lions badly required hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to Australia in the first Test, England have to bounce back before heading to the famous Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

English cricketers have frequently been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

Cook's Memorable Success

Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration provided by a cricket hero

Today commemorates 15 years since Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark 235 without loss, saving the first Test during that famous series establishing England's trajectory to their only Ashes series win in Australia over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

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

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals in a series in this country

Victory came 3-1, with every win by an innings

The team hasn't secured success at this venue since that historic campaign

Cook's Memories

"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook recalls

"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory in Australia where each victory came through innings wins"

The Road to Greatness

Cook's road toward Australian glory commenced well before after the 2009 Ashes in the UK

Though England triumphed, Cook had an average below 25 managing only one innings exceeding half-century

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Technical Transformation

Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he was back at work facing countless of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances were encouraging

The batsman achieved three centuries on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Career-Defining Moments

After coming back to home soil for the 2010 summer, Cook had a "stinker"

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

On nought not out after the second day's play of the third Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced he was playing his final Test performance prior to selection

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

Critical Moment

His century guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games in Australia

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they were hit by three wickets from Siddle

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss started the English reply needing to overcome 221 runs

They reached 19-0 by day's end and proceeded through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain specific guidance, anything of what we spoke about," Cook remembers

The opening pair contributed 188 for the first wicket

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score by an Englishman down under in eight decades

Total Command

England capitalised on a remarkable opening session during the following Test at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics with 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the opposition bowlers

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 arguably England's best performance in Ashes history in Australia

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the Australian team collapsed to 98 all out

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," recalls Cook

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia

The question was not whether England would triumph the game and series, rather when

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to claim triumph, it was a moment of complete happiness"

Historical Significance

He earned series honors

The following seven seasons in his international career featured other milestones

Post-cricket career, he was honored for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|