766 and All That - Cook's Dominance of Australia

The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the Three Lions badly required Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to the Australian side in the first Test, England have to bounce back before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where England have not won since 1986

Men wearing three lions have habitually been outmatched opponents in Brisbane

The Inspirational Triumph

Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration achieved by a cricket hero

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 without loss, preserving the initial Test during that famous series and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win down under during recent memory

Historic Achievement

It commenced of Cook's triumphant tour of Australia; three hundreds and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals throughout a campaign on Australian soil

Victory came 3-1, where each success through innings victories

They have not won a Test here since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"People overlook the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook remembers

"I look back with pride. I made an important impact in a series when England won 3-1 on Australian soil with every match was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

Cook's road toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier after the 2009 series in the UK

Though England triumphed, the opening batsman had an average below 25 managing only one innings above 50

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Technical Transformation

Two days after the triumphant events, he returned facing countless of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances were encouraging

Cook made three centuries during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to England for that year's summer, Cook had a "stinker"

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

On nought not out following the second day's play during the final Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced this would be his concluding international appearance prior to selection

"I was sitting at the bar, trying to find the resolution through drinking," he admits

The Turning Point

The 110-run innings secured his place on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests in Australia

Come the first Test at the Gabba, they faced three wickets from Siddle

Historic Partnership

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

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps then continued with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember any instructions, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 in their partnership

His unbeaten 235 was the highest score achieved by a Briton down under in eight decades

Series Dominance

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

When Anderson also nicked off the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

He continued his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, during Boxing Day, the Australian team were blown away for 98

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

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

The 189-run innings lifted England to 644, their best score on Australian soil

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

"The environment was electric," recalls Cook

"When Tremlett got the final batsman to claim triumph, that was a time of complete happiness"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The remaining seven years of his cricket journey included other milestones

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|