Sir Alastair's 766 runs scored by an English batsman during an Ashes series is only bettered by Wally Hammond
Brisbane is not a place that offers England crucial hope for the Ashes
In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, England must stir themselves ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where England have not won since 1986
English cricketers have often become outmatched opponents in Brisbane
The Inspirational Achievement
Throughout modern times of broken English hopes, hopes and athletes exists a motivational tale delivered by a cricket hero
It is exactly 15 years since the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark unbeaten 235, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win on Australian soil in the past 38 years
Historic Achievement
This marked the start of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three hundreds totaling 766 runs
The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country
Victory came 3-1, with all victories via comprehensive wins
They have not won a Test victory there since that memorable series
Cook's Memories
"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects
"With pride I remember. I played a significant part in a tournament that saw the English secured a 3-1 victory in Australia where each victory came through innings wins"
The Road to Greatness
His journey to down under success commenced well before after the 2009 Ashes in England
Though England triumphed, Cook averaged less than 25 managing only one innings above 50
He wanted more
"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he states
Technical Transformation
Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous of balls in the nets under Graham Gooch's guidance
The initial results were encouraging
Cook made three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh
Pivotal Instances
Upon his return to England for that year's summer, Cook struggled significantly
During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his highest score reached only 29
On nought not out after the second day in the third match versus Pakistan at the famous ground, the batsman felt certain it might be his last Test innings prior to selection
"I found myself in the bar, trying to find the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals
Decisive Instance
His century secured his place for the Australian tour
The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches on Australian soil
Come the first Test at the famous ground, they were hit by Peter Siddle's hat-trick
Record-Breaking Stand
Shortly prior to the third day's close, the opening pair began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs
They reached 19-0 when play concluded and proceeded with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history
"I don't remember the messages, anything of what we spoke about," Cook remembers
The left-handers accumulated 188 runs in their partnership
Cook's 235 not out represented the top score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil since the 1930s
Series Dominance
England exploited a remarkable opening session during the following Test in South Australia
Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered
Cook followed up his Queensland achievement with 148 during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling
The Final Triumph
Victory was possible the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later
What followed was arguably England's best performance in Ashes history on Australian soil
In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian sport, on the holiday, the hosts were blown away for 98
"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. Incredulity reigned when play concluded," Cook remembers
Series Conclusion
Motivated by purpose to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the SCG
The 189-run innings lifted England to 644, their record innings on Australian soil
The uncertainty wasn't whether England would triumph both match and urn, rather when
"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers
"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to secure victory, that was a time of complete happiness"
Historical Significance
Cook was player of the series
The subsequent seven years in his international career were illuminated by other milestones
After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements
"{I couldn't have played any better|
