Sir Alastair's impressive 766 from an English player in Australian conditions ranks second only to the great Wally Hammond
Brisbane is not a place that offers the English team some much-needed confidence in the series
Following the loss to Australia during the opening match, England need to regroup for a trip to the famous Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed for decades
English cricketers have often become easy prey at this challenging venue
The Inspirational Achievement
Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies lies an inspirational story achieved by an exceptional player
Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba via a landmark 235 without loss, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path toward their sole series victory on Australian soil in the past 38 years
Historic Achievement
This marked the start of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries totaling 766 runs
Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign down under
The English triumphed 3-1, where each success by an innings
England hasn't achieved a Test here since that memorable series
Personal Reflections
"One tends to forget the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook remembers
"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 down under and all three games were won by an innings"
Path to Success
The path to down under success began 18 months earlier after the 2009 Ashes in the UK
Despite English victory, the opening batsman had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty
He desired better
"Cricket is a team game, the individuality generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he states
Game Improvement
Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back at work practicing numerous of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch
Beginning performances were encouraging
The batsman achieved three hundreds on the 2009-10 winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams
Crucial Turning Points
Upon his return to England for that year's summer, the left-hander performed poorly
In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29
Without runs after the second day's play of the third Test facing Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain this would be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission
"There I was in the hospitality area, trying to find the answer by drowning sorrows," he confesses
The Turning Point
The 110-run innings ensured his position in the squad down under
Preparation continued through successful warm-ups in practice matches on Australian soil
Come the first Test in Brisbane, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick
Historic Partnership
An hour before the third day's close, the opening pair opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs
They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and proceeded with a performance etched in Ashes folklore
"I cannot recall specific guidance, anything of what we spoke about," Cook remembers
The left-handers accumulated 188 runs in their partnership
The 235 without dismissal represented the top score by an Englishman down under since the 1930s
Series Dominance
England exploited an incredible start during the following Test at Adelaide
Following Anderson's additional wicket the opposition player, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered
He continued his Brisbane heroics with 148 during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the opposition bowlers
Ultimate Victory
England could have retained the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later
The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day during Ashes competition down under
In Melbourne, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the Australian team collapsed to 98 all out
"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief at the end of the day," recalls Cook
Series Conclusion
Motivated by purpose to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more at the SCG
His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total during Australian Tests
The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph both match and urn, rather when
"The environment was electric," Cook remembers
"When Tremlett got the last player to claim triumph, it represented an instant of absolute joy"
Historical Significance
Cook was player of the series
The following seven seasons of his cricket journey included other milestones
After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for cricket contributions
"{I couldn't have played any better|
